Following the election win, the NDA government in Andhra Pradesh led by TDP’s N Chandrababu Naidu allegedly blocked the airing of four prominent Telugu news channels — TV9, Sakshi TV, NTV, and 10TV, which cable operators took off for the second time in a month.
The blackout, initiated on June 21, has sparked accusations and counter-claims between political factions in the state, with YSR Congress Party’s Rajya Sabha member S Niranjan Reddy alleging that the Naidu government exerted pressure on cable operators to block the channels.
The controversy began earlier this month when these channels were first blocked on June 6, prompting an outcry from media freedom advocates and opposition parties. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) had condemned the move, urging state authorities to restore broadcasting rights and ensure press freedom.
In response to the latest blackout, the ruling Telugu Desam Party (TDP) led by N Chandrababu Naidu has denied issuing any directives to silence the channels. On the other hand, Niranjan Reddy, has alleged government pressure on cable operators to enforce the blackout, questioning the legality and motivation behind such actions.
The situation escalated further when Reddy called for an investigation by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), accusing the cable operators' association of bowing to political influence rather than adhering to due process.
Beyond the immediate censorship concerns, critics argue that such actions undermine journalistic independence and freedom of expression, fostering an environment of self-censorship. Journalists fear repercussions for covering contentious issues or scrutinizing those in power, potentially limiting public discourse and accountability.
Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh, representing the TDP, reiterated that no official orders were given from their side to block the channels.