Skip to content Skip to navigation

NaMo TV controversy: Introspect on news content, EMFA urges channels

Guwahati: The gate-keeping role of traditional media has been questioned by observers, despite the advent of social media where everyone has a say but there is little credible analysis. Reacting to the recent controversy over NaMo TV, the Electronic Media Forum Assam (EMFA) has urged news channels in particular to introspect whether they too are facing a major credibility challenge.

The forum, in a statement issued today, posed the question whether common viewers are turning to raw news rather than interpretative news content aired by recognized news channels. If the answer is yes, it could mean professional journalists are being rendered irrelevant as news consumers prefer 'unedited' content to make up their minds about public issues 'without any journalistic manipulation'.

It may be noted that since March 31 last, a new 24x7 channel, named NaMo TV, became available in all major direct-to-home (DTH) and cable platforms across the country. It started telecasting mostly full (or 'uncut') speeches, some in real time, of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a few other leaders and Union ministers of Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP).

NaMo TV doesn’t feature on the list of Information and Broadcasting Ministry’s (GoI) permitted private satellite TV channels and hence since its arrival, a major debate has been sparked over its legality and ownership. The Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) have complained to the Election Commission (EC) against the channel, arguing that it violates the model code of conduct, following which the EC sent notices to the concerned ministry.

Meanwhile, former chief election commissioner SY Quraishi, in a recent interview, commented that NaMo TV does not violate the poll code, which came into effect on March 10 with the Election Commission declaring the 7-phase national polls starting from April 11, counting of which would take place on May 23.

Named after Narendra Modi, the channel carries a photograph of the Prime Minister on its logo, and is understood as being described as a 'special advertisement platform', whose expenses are being borne by the ruling BJP. Prime Minister Modi himself has tweeted about the channel and asked people to watch it, following which millions of saffron supporters and sympathizers have been glued to NaMo TV.

“A real challenge is emerging before registered news channels (many of these having already turned into purveyors of cheap 'infotainment'), as millions of Indian viewers now seem to prefer to watch and listen to political leaders of their liking without any biased editing and interpretations. Mainstream media will be sidetracked into irrelevance if news consumers start seeing it as a biased, corrupt entity covertly pushing its own agenda,” warned the EMFA statement.

Author info

AT News's picture

Assam Times Staff. editor@assamtimes.org

Add new comment

Random Stories

Staggering blow for ULFA as 3 more top cadres killed in Dibrugarh encounter

11 Jun 2008 - 2:28pm | editor
In yet another staggering blow, Army has killed three more top ranked ULFA cadres at an encounter on Tuesday night in upper Assam’s Dibrugarh district. According to information, acting on...

Huge rally warns govt, immigrants

8 Mar 2017 - 4:01pm | AT News
A huge protest rally in Dhemaji has asked the government to immediately nab Soobodh Biswas, the main culprit behind the clash in Silapithar where some persons of doubtful integrity attached a local...

Dimpi Bora of Nagaon securs 10th position in IFS

1 Apr 2012 - 7:45pm | DigantaTalukdar
After a gap of 14 years, the two brilliant candidates of Assam cleared the Indian Forest Service examination conducted by UPSC. Among the two successful candidates of Assam, Dimpi Bora with UPSC Roll...

Nelo Vingada, NorthEast United FC's coach

Football fever grips Guwahati

30 Sep 2016 - 6:13pm | AT News
The Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati dresses afresh a day before the country’s biggest football extravaganza. The North East United FC are taking on the Kerala Brother in the opening match...

Other Contents by Author

In a groundbreaking move towards sustainable agriculture and the preservation of indigenous livestock, Saras Dairy, under the guidance of Joraram Kumawat, Minister of Animal Husbandry, proudly unveils its latest offering: pasteurized camel milk. This initiative, achieved through collaboration with Bahula Food Pvt Ltd and Urmul Seemant Samiti, signifies a pioneering step in the realm of public-private partnerships dedicated to supporting herders and safeguarding the invaluable camel population. Gratitude is extended to all stakeholders, including Mahant Pratap Puri, MLA Pokhran, and Dr. Bhawani Singh Rathore, Animal Husbandry Director, for their indispensable contributions. Recognition is...
Assam Times (.org) ("Assam Times", "we", "us", or "our") respects the privacy of our users ("you", "your"). This Privacy Policy describes the types of information we collect from and about you when you visit our website (the "Website") and how we use that information.   Information We Collect We collect two types of information on this Website: Personal Information: This is information that can be used to identify you as an individual, such as your name, email address, and any other information you choose to share in comments, forums, or other interactive features. We only collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us. Non-Personal Information: This...
In a landmark move, participants of the International Conclave on Water, Hill Lives, and Future, convened in Shillong on February 9th and 10th, 2024, have jointly adopted the "Shillong Declaration." This declaration underscores the critical interlinkages between water resources and hill ecosystems, emphasizing a holistic approach towards achieving sustainable development in these regions.   The vital role of water as a critical resource and the need for enhanced resilience around water in hilly terrains, as underscored by the declining water table and spring water levels, waning traditional water systems, retreating, and polluting rivers, changing rainfall patterns, increase...
Jaisalmer, Rajasthan: Today marks the commencement of the 3rd edition of Maru Manthan, a transformative forum orchestrated by the Desert Resource Centre and Urmul, in collaboration with desert communities. Held on February 9th and 10th, 2024, in the heart of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, Maru Manthan stands as a beacon for celebrating the indomitable spirit of the desert and fostering sustainable solutions amidst its challenges. The forum draws together an illustrious lineup of organizations and individuals dedicated to desert conservation and community empowerment. Representatives from esteemed entities such as the Foundation for Ecological Security, Ministry of Lowlands & Irrigation (...
The 'Uttar Purvi Mahotsav 2024', a five-day cultural extravaganza showcasing Northeast India's richness, kicks off on January 13 at Bharat Mandapam. Organized by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) and NEHHDC, the festival aims to display diverse arts, crafts, and cultures, fostering economic opportunities. With 250 participants including weavers, farmers, and entrepreneurs, the event features panel discussions, buyer-seller meets, traditional performances, and a focus on women's roles in regional development. Highlighting the youth's contribution and challenges, the festival aims to explore how they can shape India's economic landscape. Additionally, specialized...
In a bid to empower the youth against the perils of single-use plastics, the UNEP Tide Turners Plastic Challenge made significant strides in Assam. The WWF-India, alongside UNEP, orchestrated a pivotal Teachers’ Training Program on December 19th, 2023, at Maharishi Vidya Mandir Senior Secondary School in Silpukhuri. This initiative, a global endeavor ongoing since 2019, aims to cultivate leadership qualities among the youth to combat the menace of plastic pollution. WWF-India has taken the helm as the knowledge and implementing partner, customizing and executing the program's intricacies across the country. The training session witnessed the active participation of teachers from 37...
December 10, 2023, saw the Indigenous Peoples'  of Mung-Dun-Chun-Kham, Assam, Northeast, joined by the Jatiatabad Punar Nirman Samiti, observe World Human Rights Day in diverse regions of the state. The programme was held at Guwahati Press Club. A discussion titled "Human Rights and Northeast Region" was arranged. Notable speakers, including Pradeep Gogoi, Vice President of the ULFA (Discussion faction), L. Khongsai, President of Assam Kuki Welfare Society, N.G. Sanahaal Singha, President of Assam Manipuri Students' Association, Mrinal Gohain, Thinker, Meishnam Bhagat Singha, Paotinlen Chongloui, human rights activist, Shaheen Ahmed, academic and researcher, Rajkumar Baishya,...
Guwahati: The Indigenous peoples of Mung-Dun-Chun-Kham, Assam, North East India (IPMDCKANEI) came together on Assam Divas (Sukafa Divas) to address critical issues impacting their communities. Held at the Conference Hall, Media Trust', Rup Nagar, Guwahati, the day-long program included a significant round table conference featuring ethnic activists from Assam, Tripura, Manipur, and Nagaland. The event commenced with tributes to historical figures, Chao Pha Chao lung Sukafa and Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma, followed by intense discussions on the challenges confronting indigenous groups in North East India. Representatives from various organizations including the United Bodo Peoples...
Representatives from various indigenous groups and environmental organizations convened in Gangtok, Sikkim, for the North East India Meet on Free Flowing Rivers. The gathering, hosted by the Affected Citizens of Teesta, Centre for Research and Advocacy (Manipur), and the Borok Peoples Human Rights Organization, concluded with a significant resolution aimed at safeguarding the region's rivers and biodiversity. "We recognize the intrinsic rights of rivers to flow freely and the vital relationship between indigenous communities and their natural resources," emphasized a spokesperson from the conference. The Teesta Declaration outlined pressing concerns regarding the construction of...
Guwahati: The commencement of preliminary work on the flyover linking the Dighalipukhuri point with the Bamunimaidan area has sparked concerns among the media fraternity in Guwahati. The ongoing development, anticipated to be the longest flyover in Assam stretching over six kilometers and set for completion by 2026, has raised issues for the city's Press Club situated in the Ambari locality. As construction gears up, the Press Club faces a significant reduction in its working space due to the flyover's expansion. This reduction is poised to create parking challenges for members and visitors alike during and after the construction phase, prompting the Journalists' Forum Assam (JFA) to...