Delhi HC orders immediate restoration of news channels blocked by Andhra cable TV body
On Monday, the Delhi High Court directed about 15 multi-system operators to restore the transmission of TV9 Telugu, Saakshi TV, 10TV, and NTV news channels among others, which had been taken off-air from June 6, 2024, in Andhra Pradesh. The National Broadcaster’s Federation (NBF) lauded the order and said in a press statement, “The landmark order addressing the unilateral and illegal blackout of news channels in Andhra Pradesh, reinforces the fundamental principles of freedom of speech and expression, which are cornerstones of our democratic society.”
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Earlier, e4m had reported that in the Delhi HC, TV9 had submitted that the disconnection was illegal and against the interconnection agreement signed with the distribution companies, as per rules laid down by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).
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The blackout of several news channels in Andhra Pradesh, including TV9 Telugu, Saakshi TV, 10TV, and NTV since June 6, 2024, had raised serious concerns about press freedom, as it came right on the day of the assembly election results. There were reports of political pressure being brought upon all the cable operators to black out these news channels due to the change in political leadership in Andhra Pradesh. The news channels, serving in public interest, were removed from at least 62 lakh boxes, denying the right to information by the audience. The order mandates the immediate restoration of the affected news channels, ensuring that the people of Andhra Pradesh can once again access a broad spectrum of news and viewpoints.
Tags : Chandrababu Naidu Ap Cable Tv Association Tdp Andhra Pradesh