The
News
Broadcasters
Association
(NBA)
has
released
a
statement
after
certain
news
channels
came
under
the
scanner
of
the
Mumbai
Police
for
the
television
rating
points
(TRP)
scandal
and
unethical
practices
of
journalism
in
the
coverage
of
the
Sushant
Singh
Rajput
death
case
and
related
probe
by
the
Enforcement
Directorate,
the
Narcotics
Control
Bureau
and
the
Central
Bureau
of
Investigation.
The
NBA
also
reprehends
the
victimisation
of
journalists
and
stands
for
the
freedom
of
speech
and
expression.
Read
the
full
statement
of
the
NBA
here:
"NBA
is
very
disturbed
at
the
turn
of
events
in
Mumbai
as
the
clash
between
Republic
TV
and
Mumbai
police
is
posing
a
threat
to
the
credibility
and
respect
of
two
great
institutions,
the
media
and
the
police.
We
are
deeply
concerned
that
journalists
working
in
the
newsroom
have
become
victims
of
this
unfortunate
conflict.
"We
do
not
approve
of
the
kind
of
journalism
that
is
being
practiced
by
Republic
TV.
And
even
though
Republic
TV
is
not
a
member
of
NBA
and
does
not
subscribe
to
our
Code,
we
still
take
a
strong
exception
to
cases
filed
against
its
editorial
staff.
We
stand
for
the
freedom
of
speech
and
expression
of
the
media
as
enshrined
in
the
Constitution
of
India.
At
the
same
time,
we
endorse
the
practice
of
ethics
in
journalism
and
put
fair
and
balanced
reporting
at
the
core
of
what
we
report
upon.
"NBA
reprehends
any
attempt
to
target
journalists
doing
their
work
in
newsrooms
but,
on
the
other
hand,
we
disapprove
of
any
vengeful
reporting
by
media.
We
condemn
the
reporting
of
baseless
stories
which
subverts
and
interferes
with
the
functioning
of
the
law
enforcement
agencies.
"We
appeal
to
the
Mumbai
police
to
ensure
that
no
journalists
are
made
victims
of
this
crossfire.
We
also
appeal
to
journalists
working
with
Republic
TV
not
to
cross
the
Lakshman
Rekha
as
clearly
observed
by
the
Bombay
High
Court.
"NBA
once
again
reiterates
that
it
does
not
support
toxic
content
and
unethical
journalism.
News
broadcasters
are
governed
by
the
independent
regulatory
body,
NBSA,
headed
by
(Retd.)
Justice
A.K.
Sikri.
NBSA
over
the
years
has
played
an
extremely
important
role
in
being
a
watchdog
by
monitoring
the
content
of
news
channels.
It
has
acted
against
well
known
national
and
regional
broadcasters
by
levelling
fines,
apologies
and
warnings
in
several
matters
including
the
coverage
of
the
death
of
late
actor
Sushant
Singh
Rajput.
We
appeal
that
non-member
broadcasters
be
requested
to
follow
the
Code
of
Ethics
and
Guidelines
of
NBSA.
"NBA
also
expresses
serious
concern
at
the
open-ended
FIR
registered
by
the
UP
police
against
media
for
alleged
TRP
manipulation.
The
speed
with
which
the
case
was
transferred
to
CBI
overnight
raises
doubts
about
the
intentions.
A
complaint
filed
against
unknown
persons
by
an
individual
who
has
no
locus
standi
may
lead
to
a
witch-hunt
against
the
media,
its
advertisers
and
advertising
agencies.
We
sincerely
urge
the
government
to
immediately
withdraw
the
case
referred
to
CBI.
"BARC
has
a
mechanism
to
deal
with
such
cases.
An
internal
competent
body
headed
by
(Retd.)
Justice
Mukul
Mudgal
is
capable
and
empowered
to
look
into
cases
related
to
TRP
data
tampering.
All
cases
related
to
TRP
manipulation
should
be
transferred
to
this
authority."