New Delhi: In a surprising turn of events, prominent Telugu news channels including NTV, 10TV, Sakshi TV, and TV9 Telugu have been abruptly taken off the air by various cable TV operators in Andhra Pradesh since Friday night. The channels are currently accessible only through direct-to-home (DTH) services.
TV9 Telugu, NTV, 10TV, and Sakshi TV are among the most popular news channels in the region. Their sudden removal from cable networks has left a significant portion of the audience without their primary news sources, leading to widespread public outcry and demands for their immediate restoration. Industry sources indicate that around 60% of the distribution has been affected by this blockade. According to the latest BARC report for AP/T, these channels collectively hold a market share of 56.6% in the AP/T region for Week 24 of 2024.
The blackout comes amid a politically charged environment following the recent change in state government, where the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) led by N. Chandrababu Naidu ousted the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) led by Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy. Notably, Sakshi TV is owned by Indira Television Ltd, a company associated with Jagan Mohan Reddy’s family, which also publishes the Sakshi vernacular daily.
The abrupt cessation of these channels has raised suspicions of political interference, particularly given the timing of the action so soon after the new administration took office. Observers speculate that this move could be an attempt to control the media narrative in favor of the new government or to silence critical voices.
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This incident has sparked a debate over media freedom and press independence in Andhra Pradesh. Many argue that such actions undermine democratic principles, particularly the public’s right to information. The Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable) Services Interconnection (Addressable Systems) Regulations of 2017 mandate that no service provider should disconnect television channel signals without providing at least three weeks’ notice, detailing the reasons for the disconnection.
Opposition parties have condemned the blockade as an attack on press freedom. In a letter addressed to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), Union Information and Broadcasting Minister, I&B Secretary, and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, YSRCP leader and Rajya Sabha member S. Niranjan Reddy accused the Andhra Pradesh Cable TV Operators’ Association of acting under the influence of the newly formed TDP government to “permanently block TV9 Telugu, NTV, 10TV, and Sakshi TV.”
The letter termed this action as a direct assault on democratic principles, stating, “Such interference causes a chilling effect on the freedom of the press.”
Media organizations and civil society groups have also condemned the blocking of the channels, emphasizing the critical role of a free and independent media in holding governments accountable. They argue that any attempts to restrict media access compromise the state’s democratic fabric and violate fundamental citizens’ rights.
This is not the first instance of such media blackout in Andhra Pradesh. Since the TDP government returned to power, these channels have been blocked twice. The first incident occurred on June 6, when the channels were off the air for a day. The state government, however, has denied issuing any directives to cable operators regarding the blackout.
As the controversy unfolds, it highlights the ongoing challenges faced by media organizations in maintaining their independence and the critical importance of media freedom in a democratic society. Similar incidents have occurred in the past, such as on June 16, 2014, when TV9 and ABN Andhra Jyothi were taken off the air by Telangana multiple-system operators shortly after the formation of the separate Telangana state and K. Chandrasekhar Rao became Chief Minister.
