(L) Free Press Journal ; Janta Ka Reporter (R)
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Republic TV & 2 Others Accused Of False TRP & Illegal Advertising Funds

Meghna Mathew

It is taught in Journalism schools that yellow journalism, a practice of reporting false or exaggerated news, is one to always, always steer clear of. Unfortunately, some media houses in India didn’t quite get the memo.

While some struggle to prove that upholding the values of truthful journalism is, in fact, possible, others have been riding on the back of dramatised and popular public opinion (rather than facts!).

Following the inflated presence of a few media houses, Mumbai Police stated that they had recognised “fraudulent manipulation of Television Rating Points (TRPs) involving three channels including Arnab Goswami’s Republic TV”, according to The Indian Express. The other two channels are Fakt Marathi and Box Cinema. It is alleged that the TRP was falsely presented to receive illegal advertising funds.

Mumbai Police Commissioner Param Bir Singh stated that the suspicious activity of TRP manipulation was brought to notice by an independent agency called Hansa. According to NDTV, the Commissioner also stated, “Anyone involved in the channel, no matter how much in the top, how senior, will be questioned, and if involved they will be investigated. No one, no matter how senior, will escape.”

At a time when sincere journalism and trustworthy news broadcast is the need of the hour, such allegations prove that the direction our country is headed in needs reconsideration. As an institution that is named the fourth pillar of democracy, no media house or news channel should be anything short of honest and accurate.

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