NBDSA directs News18 to delete broadcast falsely linking Tirupati Laddu dispute to Congress

The News Broadcasting and Digital Standards Authority (NBDSA) recently directed media channel News18 Rajasthan to remove a video that falsely claimed that the use of beef fat in Tirupati laddu was linked to the Congress party..NBDSA observed that the broadcaster should adhere to the Specific Guidelines covering Reportage, under which "facts should be clearly distinguishable from, and not be mixed-up with opinion, analysis and comment” while reporting any subject.NBDSA Chairperson, Justice AK Sikri advised News18 to bear in mind the Specific Guidelines for Anchor conducting programmes, including debates, while inviting any person as an interviewee in its broadcast..The programme in question was aired on September 21, 2024. The complainant, Indrajeet Ghorpade, questioned the broadcaster for spreading false claims that animal fat in Tirupati Balaji temple Prasadam Laddu was a Congress party conspiracy. He argued that this violated principles of accuracy, objectivity, neutrality and fairness. He urged the broadcaster to remove the broadcast immediately and issue a clarification.Upon review of the footage of the broadcast, NBDSA observed a discrepancy. "While the title of the impugned broadcast “Tirupati Laddu Animal Fat Row : Tirupati के प्रसाद मेंबीफ, Congress का बड़ा षड्यंत्र .....” had been revised to “Tirupati Laddu Animal Fat Row : Tirupati के प्रसाद मेंबीफ, क्या बोलेस्वामी दीपांकर? | N18V” as stated by the broadcaster in its response, the broadcast itself had not been revised, as the anchor could be seen questioning the interviewee as to whether the adulteration in the Prasadam Laddu was a conspiracy against the Hindus," it was observed..NBDSA noted that while the anchor questioned the administration and trust members, the broadcast shifted focus from ghee adulteration to the interviewee’s views on Sanatan Dharma, deviating from the intended topic.NBDSA further noted that despite the broadcaster's claim of removing the interview, the broadcast was still available on its YouTube channel."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," it was directed..[Read Order]