The News Broadcasting Standards Authority (NBSA) has issued strict warnings to three major news channels: CNN-IBN, Aaj Tak, and Sakshi TV, for breaching broadcasting guidelines and violating media ethics. The authority’s decision highlights the need for responsible journalism and adherence to ethical reporting practices.
While the three channels face penalties and corrective measures, ABP News has been recognized for maintaining compliance with NBSA’s ethical standards.
Violations by CNN-IBN
CNN-IBN, a leading English news channel, faced two notable complaints for failing to adhere to ethical reporting standards.
The first case involved a complaint filed by R.K. Lal, administrator of Mallige Medical Centre, regarding a report titled “Bangalore Woman Incapacitated After Botched Surgery.” The program, aired between March 29 and April 7, 2013, failed to include the hospital’s perspective, presenting an incomplete and biased version of events. The NBSA has directed CNN-IBN to issue a formal apology, which must be broadcast on January 10, acknowledging the oversight and ensuring such lapses are not repeated in the future.
The second case concerned the channel’s coverage of the December 23 India Gate protests, during which CNN-IBN revealed the identity of the father of a rape victim. Although the channel denied breaching the Juvenile Justice Act, NBSA ruled this as a violation of media ethics and privacy. The monitoring body has ordered CNN-IBN to remove the offending video from its website and comply with stricter editorial standards in sensitive matters.
Actions Taken Against CNN-IBN:
- Formal apology to be aired for unverified reporting.
- Removal of privacy-breaching content from their digital platforms.
Aaj Tak Penalized for Misconduct
Aaj Tak, a prominent Hindi news channel, was found guilty in two separate incidents that highlighted lapses in editorial responsibility.
The first complaint pertained to the program “Dalal Junction,” a sting operation that aired accusations against Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC). The channel failed to verify the claims, leading to a misleading broadcast. In response, NBSA has instructed Aaj Tak to issue a public apology for five consecutive days, from January 13 to January 17, at 6:00 PM. The apology must be broadcast as a full-screen scroll with a slow voiceover to ensure accountability.
The second violation involved incomplete reporting in an episode of “Vardat” aired on November 7. The NBSA has directed Aaj Tak to broadcast the unedited statement of the complainant for three minutes, immediately followed by a formal apology. Additionally, the channel has been fined ₹1 lakh for violating ethical guidelines, particularly in sensitive family and matrimonial matters.
Corrective Measures for Aaj Tak:
- Apology scroll broadcast for five days.
- ₹1 lakh penalty for ethical violations.
Sakshi TV’s Privacy Breach
Sakshi TV was reprimanded for its handling of a program titled “Drunken Girl’s Hulchul Midnight,” in which four NALSAR students were portrayed in a derogatory manner. The channel’s intrusive act of pushing cameras into the students’ vehicle was deemed a serious violation of media ethics.
The NBSA has ordered Sakshi TV to pay a fine of ₹1 lakh as a penalty and broadcast an apology on January 15, 16, and 17 in both English and Telugu. This ruling underscores the importance of respecting individual privacy, even when reporting public incidents.
Promoting Responsible Journalism
The NBSA’s actions send a clear message to media organizations about the critical need for ethical reporting. Misleading broadcasts, unverified claims, and violations of privacy damage the credibility of news platforms and erode public trust. By enforcing penalties and corrective measures, the NBSA aims to hold news networks accountable and ensure higher journalistic standards.
Media outlets must recognize their role in delivering accurate, fair, and balanced information. Responsible journalism is essential for upholding the integrity of the media and fostering trust between broadcasters and their audiences.