How many anchors is the I.N.D.I.A bloc boycotting?
26 opposition parties formed a group called I.N.D.I.A. (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance). They recently said they would boycott 14 TV news anchors.
The group decided not to send any of its representatives to participate in the shows of these anchors. The group took this decision during a meeting on 13th September 2023.
Why are they boycotting the news anchors?
A person from the alliance said the decision was taken because the TV news anchors always hold "hate-filled" news debates. The alliance believes they don't talk about important things that matter to the public.
The group will watch these channels for a few months. If the news shows get better, the boycott will be lifted. If not, steps like a ban on advertisements for these channels may be taken.
What are the reactions to this announcement?
The News Broadcasters & Digital Association (NBDA) has criticised this decision. They said it's bad because it threatens press freedom in the country and stops people from expressing their opinions. They have asked the alliance to change their decision.
The News Broadcasters Federation (NBF) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are also against it. Leaders of at least two alliance party members also voiced their disapproval. They said nobody talked to them before making this decision.
