After keeping silent for nearly three months, the journalists’ union finally woke up to the threat to freedom of press in Telangana, following ban on two television channels – TV9 and ABN Andhra Jyothy.
Hitherto, the union leaders were running around Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhara Rao, but after realizing that he has been pampering only a section of journalists who are doing his bhajan, they have now decided to fight against KCR.
On Thursday, Indian Journalist Union Secretary General D Amar demanded stern action against the MSOs which stopped the telecast of two Telugu news channels in Telangana State.
Amar said that the decision to ban two Telugu channels was part of a larger conspiracy. He alleged that Telangana Chief Minster K Chandrasekhar Rao was responsible for the ban on TV-9 and ABN.
He also condemned KCR's Warangal speech wherein he threatened direct and violent action against media organisations and professionals.
He demanded that the Centre take immediate action to restore freedom of press in the new State.
He said that the authorities were free to take action against the media organisations if they publish or air objectionable content. However, imposing complete ban was illegal and against the democratic norms.
The IJU leader also appealed to the media professionals to act responsibly in performing their duties and restrain from violating the rules.
