News Broadcasting & Digital Standards Authority slaps ₹50k fine on News18 for "communal" debate programme on Karnataka hijab matter

The News Broadcasting & Digital Standards Authority (NBDSA) imposed a ₹50,000 fine on television channel News18 for violating principles relating to impartiality, neutrality, fairness and good taste while conducting a debate programme relating to the Karnataka Hijab case..Justice AK Sikri in his decision passed on Friday said that while the broadcaster was entitled to conduct debate on the issue after the Karnataka High Court’s decision, the problem lay with the narrative and tilt given to the program.“NBDSA observed that while having a debate as to whether wearing of Hijab be allowed in the schools or not, there was no occasion to blow up the debate by making it a communal issue”, the order said. .The order was passed on a complaint by Tech Ethics and Safety professional Indrajeet Ghorpade filed in response to a programme aired on News18 on April 6 in which the anchor, Aman Chopra, referred to the Muslim girl students as “Hijabi Gang”, “Hijabwali Gazwa Gang” and made allegations that they had resorted to rioting..It was alleged that Chopra claimed that Al Qaeda chief, Zawahiri was the face and the students were his mask.It was claimed that the broadcaster had violated the specific guidelines covering reportage, particularly the fundamental standards..News18, on the other hand, defended itself stating that through its debate, it had reported facts that were widely available and reported about the Hijab case.It also stated that as a responsible channel, it had invited people from all walks of life including of political background to participate in the debate and express their opinion which reflected a balanced approach taken while airing the program..The question before the NBDSA was whether the Code of Ethics & Broadcasting Standards were adhered to..The NBDSA, on examining the issue, found that there was no occasion to blow up the debate by making it a communal issue.“NBDSA strongly deprecates the tendency of the broadcaster to associate those panelists who were in favour of wearing Hijab by students with Zawahiri and labelling them as ‘Zawahiri gang member’ ‘Zawahiri’s ambassador’ ‘Zawahiri is your God, you are his fan’”..The Authority also recorded that Chopra had not only violated the guidelines and ethical standards, but also failed to follow the decision of the Bombay High Court in the case of Nilesh Navalakha v Union Of India which calls for an anchor to apply his/ her mind and prevent the program from drifting beyond permissible limits.“However, in the instant case, not only had the anchor failed to stop the other panelists from crossing the boundary but had given a platform to express extreme views which could adversely affect the communal harmony in the country,” said the order..With these considerations, added to the repetitive nature of the violations, the NBDSA imposed the fine and admonished News18 for conducting such a debate.Further, it was noted that the NBDSA had given abundant guidance on how such programs should run and if the violations are repeated in the future, it may have to direct News18 to ensure Chopra’s presence before the Authority..The video of the program was also asked to be removed from all platforms within seven days..[Read Order]