Daijiworld Media Network

New Delhi, Sep 8: Republic TV’s editor-in-chief Arnab Goswami has defied orders issued by The News Broadcasting Standards Authority (NBSA) by not apologizing for his inappropriate comments before 9 pm debate on September 7, as directed.

NBSA an independent body set up by the News Broadcasters Association, on August 30 directed BJP MP Rajeev Chandrashekhar’s news channel Republic TV to air a full-screen apology to its viewers for inappropriate comments made by Arnab Goswami.

The complaint to NBSA was filed by A Singh, who wrote that Arnab Goswami on his show dated 9/1/2018 at 9pm, circled the complainant's image with red dots. The image was captured while the complainant was participating in Vadgam MLA Jignesh Mevani’s rally. Goswami repeatedly referred to the complainant as ‘pervert’, ‘goon,’ ‘sexist,’ ‘hyena,’ ‘anti-Indian’ and ‘vulgar’.

Singh added that the channel ran the footage claiming that the complainant harassed Republic TV reporter, Shivani Gupta which is not true.

Republic TV claimed that Singh was “interfering with the reporting done by its reporter by moving towards her in an intimidating and aggressive manner and shouting the words “jhooth bol rahi hai (she is lying)” as she was confronting another person harassing her”. They also claimed that the complainant engaged in further sloganeering aimed at the reporter.

Singh responded to the allegations stating that in the video he can be seen saying, “Koi aapko tang nahi kar raha, aap jhooth bol rahi hai (You are lying. nobody is bothering you.)” and can’t be labelled a “vulgar thug”, “pervert”, “goon”, “sexist” or “anti-Indian” on the basis of that.

The NBSA in its order dated 30.08.2018 has directed the channel to air the apology on full screen in large font with clear-audible voice-over (in slow speed).

The text to be aired should read, “On the debate “Jignesh Flop Show’ aired on Republic TV on 9/1/2018 at 9 pm, the channel had inadvertently circled the visual of Mr A Singh, while running pictures of its News Editor Ms Shivani Gupa being confronted by individuals present at the Jignesh Mevani Rally. It was a genuine error, an oversight by our video editor, and not intentional. Therefore, we wish to convey our regrets for the error, which we reiterate was unintentional.”

However, the apology was not aired on September 7, a clear violation of the order.

Reacting to the channel not apologising, Pratishtha Singh, the complainant’s wife said, “Arnab Goswami and Republic TV have not apologised as directed by NBSA. They have another chance to do so immediately before the 9 pm news on the 14/9/2018.”

She further told the media that she and her husband were determined to take the matter to its logical end even if it meant filing a criminal complaint against Goswami and his channel.

This is not the first time, Goswami was asked to offer an on-air apology. In January this year, he had to apologize for branding an ABP News reporter as a ‘goon’ while covering the same rally organised by Jignesh Mevani.