TV9 and NEWS9 TV channels have been taken off the air in many areas in Karnataka by cable operators since Monday evening.
The action of the cable operators emanates from a meeting between them and Karnataka minister for Energy D K Shivakumar a few days ago, at which the minister ordered them to stop telecasting TV9 and NEWS9.
He threatened them that the government will impose heavy penalties on them if they did not stop telecasting TV9 and News9. As a consequence, the cable operators"™ association sent the following directive to its members on Monday.
"Dear MSO's, It has been noticed that from long time TV 9 channel has been working against the interest of our industry, and has been unnecessarily carrying propaganda against the government which has its direct impact on us by taking the government headon. As you are all well aware that we are approaching government to provide us right of way for our optic fiber accross our networks, and also help us by not increasing the taxes, and fortunately the government is also responding positively. Today already we the LMO'S and MSO'S are facing the brunt of digitisation, we are in no situation to take more increase on taxes and other costs on ROW. Please be informed that our representative had spoken to TV9 official repeatedly requesting them not to propagate such anti government activities but in vain, Hence we from KSCOA request you all to switch off TV9 and News9 from 06:00pm today until further notice.
As a result, the two channels were taken off the air in many areas of Bangalore, and elsewhere in Karnataka.
The government"™s action in arm-twisting the cable operators reminds of the Emergency days, and its intimidation of the press and gagging its voice violates the Constitutionally guaranteed right to freedom of expression.
TV9 and News9 have always practiced free, fearless and ethical journalism. They have always stuck to high standards and fairness in reporting and will continue to do so.
We appeal to the Karnataka government to stop victimising the media forthwith and withdraw its diktat to cable operators.
We also appeal to the civil society, media institutions and professionals in Karnataka and elsewhere in the country to stand by TV9 and NEWS9, whose only crime is that they practice high standards of journalism that affect vested interests.