Share exact words of apology: NBSA to Zee, Aaj Tak, others in Sushant death case

In its order dated October 6, the body had pulled up Aaj Tak, Zee News and News24 for airing offensive headlines while reporting Rajput’s death, which the order noted affected the “dignity of the deceased”. India TV was also asked to apologise for showing visuals of Rajput’s body to their viewers.

While Aaj Tak ran the tagline “Aise kaise hit-wicket ho gaye Sushant?”, a Zee News telecast carried the headline “Patna ka Sushant, Mumbai me fail kyu?”. News 24 used the headline “Hey, why didn’t you watch your own film Sushant?” — a reference to Rajput’s film Chhichhore which dealt with mental health.

In its communication sent to the news channels on Friday, NBSA has asked Aaj Tak to apologise three times for three violations on October 28, 29 and 30. News 24 has been ordered to apologise to its viewers on October 29, Zee News on October 27 and India TV on October 27.

Zee News Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary did not respond to a message by The Sunday Express asking whether the channel will air the apology.

The India Today Group that runs Aaj Tak told The Sunday Express, “We are proud members of the NBA and strictly adhere to the guidelines laid down by the NBSA and the code prescribed… We have immense regard for the NBSA and if they have found something objectionable in our news coverage then we respect their decision. We are committed to the rules of self regulation and firmly believe that it only makes the network of broadcasters better and our industry stronger.”

India TV Chairman and Editor-in-Chief Rajat Sharma said, “We have utmost regard for NBSA. If they have found something objectionable we respect their decision.”

In a separate decision issued Saturday, the NBSA asked Times Now to apologise unconditionally on air on October 27 for violating the principles of objectivity and impartiality by not seeking the version of writer and photographer Sanjukta Basu, on whom the channel had aired a segment on April 6, 2018. Basu had complained to NBSA against Times Now for carrying a story on her using her photographs calling her a Hindu hater, which she alleged had put her life in danger.

Meanwhile, the NBA on Saturday issued a statement taking strong exception to the cases filed against Republic TV’s editorial staff. On Friday, Mumbai Police had filed an FIR against the editorial team for broadcasting alleged defamatory news content against the police department.

“We do not approve of the kind of journalism that is being practiced by Republic TV. And even though Republic TV is not a member of NBA and does not subscribe to our Code, we still take strong exception to cases filed against its editorial staff… We appeal to the Mumbai Police to ensure that no journalists are made victims of this crossfire. We also appeal to journalists working with Republic TV not to cross the Lakshman Rekha as clearly observed by the Bombay HC.”