Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi (SD)
New Delhi, May 1: Media outlet Times Now said that it is suspending its election results coverage for Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal, Assam and Puducherry on May 2, in view of the prevailing Covid-19 situation in India.
"Our nation faces its biggest health emergency in recent memory. Times Now, in keeping with its ethos of tracking the biggest national story has decided to keep COVID-19 news as its main priority, suspending our special election coverage on May 2 and beyond. As part of our coverage, viewers can expect COVID-19 related news reports, the latest on the status of the universalised vaccination drive, information on helplines and can interact with healthcare and mental wellness experts on the channel. For our viewers looking for election results from the five states where polls were conducted, we will carry regular news updates," the media outlet said in a statement.
Sources revealed that the move comes as there is an overwhelming feeling in the newsroom that as Delhi suffers the most, election coverage should not dominate the news wheel. Almost 60 employees of Times Now or their families have contracted Covid-19, making it difficult for the outlet. Over the past few days, all reporters and everyone on the desk have been working from home.