The News Broadcasters Association (NBA) on October 24, 2020, asked the central government to withdraw the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged television rating points (TRP) scam, saying it may lead to a witch-hunt against the media.
The News Broadcasters Association (NBA) said in a statement the case being transferred to the central agency by Uttar Pradesh overnight "raises doubts about the intentions.
It further stated 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.
The News Broadcasters Association (NBA) also said that it 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.
The News Broadcasters Association (NBA) also is deeply concerned about the journalists working in the newsroom who have become victims of this unfortunate conflict.
The News Broadcasters Association (NBA) though does not approve of the kind of journalism that is being practiced by Republic TV and Republic TV is not its member of and also does not subscribe to their code but they still take strong exception to cases filed against its editorial staff because it stands for the freedom of speech and expression of the media as enshrined in the Constitution of India.
It has further also appealed in the statement to the journalists working with Republic TV not to cross the Lakshman Rekha as observed by the Bombay High Court.
The statement further said that an internal competent body headed by (Retd.) Justice Mukul Mudgal is capable and empowered to look into cases related to TRP data tampering and all cases related to TRP scam should be transferred to this authority.
News Broadcasters Association (NBA) is headed by (Retd.) Justice A.K. Sikri has an extremely important role in monitoring the content of the news channels.
