Andhra cable TV operator body blocks news channels

In a letter to TRAI, it has been brought to attention that the Andhra Pradesh TV Cable Operators’ Association has permanently blocked several news channels, including TV9, NTV, Sakshi TV, and 10TV.

The channels cannot be accessed by Andhra Pradesh viewers through cable, and are now only available on direct-to-home services.

According to the letter, this has been done under pressure and directions from the newly formed Telugu Desam Party government “without any lawful justification or procedural compliance”.

e4m has access to a copy of this letter.

The Supreme Court has earlier unequivocally held that airwaves and frequencies are public property, and every citizen has the right to access them using the best available means. While reasonable restrictions may be imposed subject to law, the arbitrary removal of channels broadcasted by independent news agencies without any reasons is a clear violation of these principles, the letter has further specified.

Industry sources claim nearly 60% of distribution has been hampered by this ban. All three channels put together have a market share of 56.6%, as per the latest AP/T, All 15+, BARC report of Wk24′ 24.

Industry players opine that the public’s right to access diverse sources of information is fundamental to a healthy democracy, and any attempts to silence the media must be swiftly addressed and rectified.

An inside source said, “The distribution of the top three Telugu news channels in the state of Andhra Pradesh has been shut down on account of harassment of the distribution network by the incumbent government. The regime of gagging the media and unleashing harassment of media companies and affiliates seems to be the first and foremost agenda of the new government.”

Moreover, Regulation 17 of the 2017 Regulations stipulates that no service provider shall disconnect the signals of television channels without giving at least three weeks’

notice in writing to the affected service provider, clearly specifying the reasons for the proposed disconnection, as per the letter. However, this regulation has been blatantly disregarded in the current instance.

“Such interference creates a chilling effect on the freedom of the press, where media organisations might become hesitant to report on controversial or sensitive issues due to fear of punitive actions. This not only stifles journalistic freedom but also diminishes the quality of public discourse, depriving citizens of diverse perspectives and critical information necessary for informed decision-making,” added the letter.

Depriving people from watching and reading news as per choice is a right of every citizen of the country given by the constitution of the country which is being breached. Sources believe that the wrong will be set right by legal recourse and representation as we believe this is not the first time that media is being held to ransom and people deprived of their fundamental rights.

The letter further requested TRAI to firstly conduct a thorough investigation into the illegal blocking of news channels by the Andhra Pradesh Cable TV Operators’ Association and the involved service providers. Further to ensure strict compliance with TRAI’s regulations, particularly Regulation 17 of the 2017 Regulations, and take necessary actions against those who have violated these provisions and uphold the principles of a free and independent press by preventing undue governmental influence over media and broadcasting services.