EMA demands probe into 'Haryana News' black-out
Chandigarh, Oct 12 (UNI) The Electronic Media Association, Chandigarh. has today expressed its serious concern over the news reports regarding the unwarranted black-out of a regional satellite news channel, ''Haryana News'', emerging from several parts and districts of Haryana.
In a press statement issued here, the spokesperson for the EMA demanded a high level investigation into the circumstances leading to the black-out of the news channel and urged the Haryana government to proceed against the persons and authorities responsible for such a misplaced act.
The spokesperson expressed his anguish over the manner in which independent media is being hindered to perform its logical and constitutionally purported duty by certain elements.
The spokesman quoted Ritesh Lakhi, President, Electronic Media Association, Chandigarh, as saying that such black-outs were simply out of place in the modern age when electronic media is witnessing an upward surge in terms of number of upcoming news channels as well as the diversified content.
''The state government should earnestly probe these reports and act appropriately to safeguard the interests of a free and unbridled media which should be unconditionally allowed to perform its duty,'' he said.
''This is a grave threat to the freedom of expression and should be countered at all possible levels from all sections of media cutting across narrow differences,'' remarked Lakhi.
UNI