The recent incident where the NDTV Managing Editor, Ms Barkha Dutt has reportedly taken offence to a comment made in a blog forcing the blogger to tender an apology reflects a sad state of affairs where one journalist is trying to curb another.Â
The issue related to the TV coverage of the Mumbai blasts which the blogger called “Shoddy Journalism”.   (see posting of november 27, 2008) .
Subsequently, he is appeared to have been forced to tender an apology having been threatened of a defamation suit by Ms Barkha Dutt.
It is unfortunate that one journalist who should know more about journalistic ethics and freedom of expression decided to use the clout she wields on the blogger.
It is difficult to accept that the blogger’s remarks amounted to “Defamation” and perhaps the strong notice that some lawyer might have drafted on behalf of Ms Barkha must have made the blogger decide that it is not worth fighting against a big channel which also is considered Pro-Government and must have political clout too.
This is a clear case of a blogger being intimidated for expressing his honest views.
I urge the Press Council of India to step in suo-motu and take action against this assault on the freedom of expression of a fellow Net Journalist.
In the event Press Council thinks that the blogger is not a journalist and not registered with them and therefore not eligible to be protected, then it is time for bloggers to set up a “Blogger’s Association” and seek recognition as a “Collaborative media vehicle”. This collaborative entity should register itself as a “journal” and seek registration with the Press Council.
In the meantime, even without the responsibility to protect a blogger, Press Council should consider that it has a duty to prevent its own members acting unethically and should initiate a disciplinary proceedings against NDTV so that a counter apology from them is obtained.
Views and counter views welcome.
Naavi
Some reactions to note: http://www.vmohanty.com/posts/open-letter-to-ndtv/http://shripriya.com/blog/2009/01/28/shame-on-ndtv-and-barkha-dutt/http://retributions.nationalinterest.in/ndtvs-assault-on-free-speech/http://www.ipatrix.com/muffling-a-blogger/http://thecomicproject.blogspot.com/2009/01/throw-constitution-away.htmlhttp://www.prempanicker.com/index.php?/site/when_free_speech_bears_a_price_tag/http://www.desipundit.com/2009/01/28/blogger-silenced-by-ndtv/
Twitter Reaction:http://www.hashtags.org/tag/ckunte
http://search.twitter.com/search?q=ckunte
9 users commented in " NDTV needs to Apologise "
Follow-up comment rss or Leave a Trackback[…]A blogger Chyetanya Kunte has delivered an unconditional apology on his blog to NDTV and Barkha Dutt for criticizing their coverage of the Mumbai attacks and quoting Wikipedia on their role during the Kargil conflict.[…]
The stupid Burkha Dutt who has Indian soldiers’ blood on her hands needs to be taught a lesson.
These rascals are misusing the freedom of press and threatening ordinary people.
It is sad that Kunte had to withdraw his comments.
What else can one expect in India especially in ‘con’gress raj.
Ha ha bloggers association… tht was funny :))
http://www.newswatch.in/research/2727
“Going by the outrage expressed by critics through newspaper columns and blogs, among others, Newswatch decided to carry out a survey on what people thought of the reportage issue. The survey was conducted primarily over a web-based interface from December 3-6. The response was overwhelming. In all, 9,906 responses were selected for the analysis.
Some highlights of the survey results:
97 per cent said the high point was round-the-clock, extensive, coverage
74 per cent felt that the reportage-presentation was theatrical
73 per cent thought TV channels are goading the Indian government to go to war with Pakistan
Arup Ghosh and Shireen of NewsX were thought to be the most cool/best anchors/reporters
Barkha Dutt of NDTV was thought to be the most theatrical/worst anchors/reporters.
More than half said Shobhaa Dé was one celebrity who did not deserve to be on TV
In most segments, DD News was seen to be the least sensational.”
http://ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/showcolumns.aspx?id=COLEN20080075194
The above link gives Barkha Dutt’s defense of NDTV’s coverage of Mumbai.
I read ‘Shoddy Journalism’.
The mention therein of the hiding places of hostages being aired live by Barkla Dutt might lead to criminal action by the government and damages action by the victims’ families, against NDTV and Barkha Dutt.
if the stsements made in ‘shoddy jounalism’ ae’nt true, he did right in apologising. the allegations were serious. i read barkha dutt’s reply in the NDTV site too.
if a blogger makes a claims to the label ‘journalist’, he ought to be responsible too.
it is astounding that somebody who always stands for freedom of expression and demands it for professional codes and ethics supresses the same for somebody else who just expressed his thinking.
does the power changes the right of equality to redefine equal ( ? ) rights ?
effective communication could be ‘coz of comand on language and practice of years and it in nocase could be the differentiating factor for power allocation. yes it could and it should be taken into consideration while deciding authorities and that too based on shouldering of responsibilities.
light and love,
Sagar Rao
Mr. Pranav Roy we appreciate intellect not arrogance please….?
please do not pour chilled water on our expectations from NDTV.
NDTV is a popular news channel and those who are a part of it are professionals and intellectuals but is arrogence an obivious character of this category or the germination grows big after success shading it with colours ?
light and love,
Sagar Rao
Leave A Reply