The NBDSA emphasized the importance of adhering to its Specific Guidelines for news reporting. One of the key guidelines is that “facts should be clearly distinguishable from, and not be mixed-up with opinion, analysis and comment” while reporting on any subject.
The News Broadcasting and Digital Standards Authority (NBDSA) has asked the media channel News18 Rajasthan to remove a misleading video that falsely linked the use of beef fat in Tirupati Laddu to a conspiracy by the Congress party.
In the video, the broadcaster had claimed that animal fat, specifically beef fat, was being used in the Prasadam Laddu at the famous Tirupati Balaji temple. The video falsely suggested that this was part of a plot by the Congress party. NBDSA took strong note of this and directed News18 to take down the video.
The NBDSA emphasized the importance of adhering to its Specific Guidelines for news reporting. One of the key guidelines is that “facts should be clearly distinguishable from, and not be mixed-up with opinion, analysis and comment” while reporting on any subject.
This principle ensures that news broadcasts are factual and free from any misleading or false information.
Justice AK Sikri, who is the Chairperson of NBDSA, advised the broadcaster to be more careful and to strictly follow the guidelines for anchors while conducting interviews or debates. He emphasized the importance of accuracy in news reports and the need for fairness and neutrality, especially when discussing sensitive topics.
The issue began with a complaint from Indrajeet Ghorpade, who raised concerns over the false claims made in the broadcast. Ghorpade accused News18 of spreading misleading information and violating the principles of accuracy, objectivity, and fairness. He also requested the broadcaster to remove the video immediately and issue a clarification.
After reviewing the video, NBDSA found a discrepancy. The title of the broadcast, “Tirupati Laddu Animal Fat Row: Tirupati के प्रसाद में बीफ, Congress का बड़ा षड्यंत्र …..” was later changed by News18 to “Tirupati Laddu Animal Fat Row: Tirupati के प्रसाद में बीफ, क्या बोले स्वामी दीपांकर? | N18V.”
However, the content of the broadcast had not been altered. The anchor was seen questioning the interviewee about whether the alleged adulteration in the Prasadam Laddu was part of a conspiracy against Hindus.
NBDSA further noted that the broadcast shifted its focus from the initial topic of ghee adulteration to the interviewee’s views on Sanatan Dharma, which deviated from the intended subject of the program. Despite News18 claiming that it had removed the interview, the broadcast was still available on the channel’s YouTube page.
As a result, NBDSA issued a directive to the broadcaster, stating, “The broadcaster to remove the video from all platforms, including from YouTube within 7 days from the receipt of the decision and inform NBDSA accordingly.”
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