Amidst strong protest by all television news channels, the Mumbai police today ordered all the city-based cable and the multi system operators to black-out the news channels all over the city as it did not adhere to the programme code.
Currently, most of the news channels have been blocked in several parts of the Mumbai.
The order issued by the deputy commissioner (enforcement), Mumbai police said that it was authorised to block any television programmes that is likely to disturb the public tranquility.
Imposing section 19 of the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act 1995, that governs all cable operators, the Mumbai police said: "Transmission of various clippings / live relay / coverage of the actions taken by the police against the terrorists in South Mumbai is causing impediment in the police action... and causing several operational difficulties..."
Section 19 of the Cable TV Act empowers the authorised officers to prohibit transmission of certain programmes that are not in conformity of the programme code and is likely to disturb the public tranquility.
"This is absolutely ridiculous. We are all responsible news channels and we are, in fact, helping the residents of Mumbai with updated and correct information of all the actions happening in Mumbai. We are also showing how Mumbai is going about its business without any fear... Blocking us is shameful," Ashok Venkatramani, chief executive, Media Content and Communications Services (MCCS), that manages news television channels-Star News, Star Majha and Star Ananda-told Business Standard.
Commenting on the order, Ashok Mansukhani, president, MSO Alliance said: "This goes against the freedom of press. Its a very sensitive matter. We have forwarded the order from Mumbai police to the news broadcasters."
Speaking to Business Standard, G Krishnan, CEO, TV Today Network that runs Aaj Tak and Headlines Today said: "We have got the report now that news channels are being switched-off across Mumbai. Let us take stock of the situation before I react...."
I have been falsely implicated on26/01/09 by nerul police in collusion with some local shivsanik under B.P. act and falsely put charges of alcohol consumption I did not consumed any. While hospital told me no report was made and the p.s.i said they have a report. I am a 37 year old female, lawyer lives alone just because I am from north I am being harassed by police and local gundas of shivsanik I am fighting to bring the truth before everyone if you think you can help me in that than let me know on 9867262593.
How would such a blackout work? Can the police shut down the stations, or would the stations have to shut themselves down? Which stations, and which parts of Mumbai, were affected by the blackout? Are they back up yet? Would love some followup on this. Thanks.
- Amy Gahran
It was good to hear that the news channel were blocked by the police authority in order to normalise the situation without cause any further panic Media should guide people and should have contribution in creating peace and Harmony in any conditions. For the sake of the people.Media should be more honest, loyal and faithful to people. We people watch news to know the good and bad happening around.Good, Correct and right of information are always been appreciated by the public
This should have been done long ago! Inspite of being politely asked to stop all sort of coverage, the media went on and on with their \"live-coverage\". Its high time they realise their responisibility and stop gaining unnecessary mileage with such stunts.
TV COVERAGE OF THE MUMBAI TERRORIST ATTACKS WAS MOST UNPROFESSIONAL AND RAN LIKE LIKE CRICKET COMMENTARY AND WAS SIMPLY DISGUSTING.
THEY DID LITTLE TO HELP AND COULD HAVE PROVIDED TERRORISTS INFORMATION OF THE MOVES BY SECURITY FORCES.
EVEN SEASONED JOURNALISTS WERE IRRESPONSIBLE AND MANY OF THE REST WERE DOWN RIGHT DISGUSTING.
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