The News Broadcasting & Digital Standards Authority (NBDSA), a self-regulatory agency set up by news and digital broadcasters, has fined the Hindi TV channel News18 India Rs 50,000 for turning a news debate on hijab into a “communal issue” and not adhering to guidelines. The NBDSA held that the programme was in violation of the principles relating to impartiality, neutrality, fairness and good taste and decency.
The NBDSA, which adjudicates upon complaints about news broadcasts, said it did not have any problem with the subject but with the narrative of the debate. In its order, the NBDSA noted that it was permissible for the broadcaster to have a debate on students wearing hijab in educational institutions.
This is not the first time a channel has seen a complaint against it through the NBDSA, and though it is not a government or legal organisation, its rulings matter within the…
