New Delhi: Dr. Subhash Chandra, founder of Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited addressed a press conference on Monday, emphasizing the critical role of media as the fourth pillar of democracy. He highlighted the increasing pressure faced by media organizations from various sectors of the governing class, including the legislature, executive, and corporates, to align with their agendas.
Zee Media’s flagship channel, Zee News, recently became a focal point in the discussion surrounding media independence. On May 23rd, 2024, an interview with the Chief Minister of Delhi, Shri. Arvind Kejriwal, conducted by a senior journalist of Zee News, took a contentious turn. Following the interview, Zee Media’s independent editorial team made the decision not to telecast it, citing objectionable content. However, despite this decision, certain portions of the interview were aired. Subsequently, the spokesperson of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) demanded the full interview’s publication, threatening consequences such as the withdrawal of substantial advertising by the Punjab Government.
The situation escalated when the Government of Punjab enforced a blackout across the state, impacting not only Zee News but also Zee PHH & Zee Delhi NCR channels, along with other Zee Entertainment channels. Additionally, AAP withdrew all its spokespersons from participating in debates held by Zee Media’s news channels. Despite the silence of fellow news networks, Zee Media fought independently to restore its channels through legal avenues.
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Dr. Subhash Chandra highlighted this incident as a live example of political parties suppressing the fourth estate. He underscored the need for media freedom, citing the importance of press freedom in a democratic society. Notably, on World Press Freedom Day (May 3rd, 2024), Dr. Chandra’s video message on press freedom garnered widespread attention, sparking constructive dialogue with senior members of the media fraternity.
While acknowledging challenges to press freedom, Dr. Chandra condemned attempts to stifle journalistic independence, urging stakeholders to stand against such threats. He emphasized Zee Media’s commitment to delivering unbiased and credible news focused on public interest, despite external pressures.
