In Andhra Pradesh, many cable TV users report that four major Telugu news channels — TV9, Sakshi, 10TV, and NTV — are no longer available.
Cable operators claim they've been removed under government pressure.
In contrast to the previous government, where blocked channels like ABN and TV5 could still be accessed if requested, the new system has completely denied that option.
Now, only government-backed channels like ETV, ABN, and TV5 are being broadcast. These mostly air pro-government content, with little to no opposition political news, frustrating viewers who seek balanced coverage.
This suppression of media diversity is drawing criticism. People argue it violates freedom of choice and constitutional rights.
The same pattern continues as political parties in power — be it YSRCP or TDP — suppress media voices that challenge them.
Even TRAI, the regulatory body, seems unable or unwilling to act. Operators report being pressured and threatened behind the scenes.
Viewers feel helpless, caught in a political battle, their right to freedom of watching news from whichever channel they like is being quietly erased.
Well, though YCP did a similar thing during its reign, it failed miserably in the elections. So, controlling the streaming of channels on cable networks is not a workable solution.
Still, why the ruling party follows the same pattern seems more like a revenge drama than a focus on results.
