Bench of Supreme Court Judges speaks against sensationalism in news...

Sensationalism in news run after TRP

The supreme on Friday spoke against the misconduct of TV channels which nowadays have started to sensationalize the news and have also accused them of serving an agenda.  A division bench comprising justices KM Joseph and BV Nagarathna, questioned the News Broadcasting and Digital Standards Authority (NBDSA) and the central government how such broadcasts could be controlled in an attempt to curb hate speech incidents. 

The bench said very straightforwardly how the society is being divided due to the negativity spread by the TV channels. It also suggested that strict action be taken against news anchors indulging in promoting hate speech. The bench also talked about how penalties could be imposed on anchors if their speeches or remarks are offending and they can be taken off air from the program as well. 

“If the anchors of TV programs are themselves part of the problem then what can be done?” Justice Joseph, speaking for the bench, remarked. The court asked the council representing NBDSA as to how many times have it taken off anchors indulging in promoting hate speech. The bench has also mentioned that the NBDSA should not be biased in its decisions. 

Thy  expressed displeasure for the way certain channels broadcasted the urinating incident in an Air India flight since the accused was still under trial and had not been declared guilty hence nobody should had taken their dignity. Everyone has the right to dignity”. Slamming the TV channels, Justice Joseph verbally observed that they are driven by TRP. "Channels are competing against each other.