The News Broadcasters Federation (NBF) has praised the Delhi High Court's recent order directing around 15 multi-system operators to resume broadcasting TV9 Telugu, Saakshi TV, 10TV, and NTV news channels, which had been off-air in Andhra Pradesh since 6 June 2024.

This ruling addresses the unilateral and illegal blackout of these news channels. The blackout was due to the election results and alleged political pressure on cable operators due to a change in political leadership.

During this order, Andhra Pradesh, with over 6.5 million households reliant on set-top boxes for news, saw a massive impact as the channels were removed from at least 6.2 million boxes, denying the public their right to information. 

The High Court's intervention in this case emphasises the necessity of an open and transparent media environment for a healthy democracy.

The court ordered the immediate restoration of the affected news channels, ensuring that Andhra Pradesh residents can again access a broad spectrum of news and viewpoints. 

Additionally, TV9 argued in court that the blackout was illegal and violated the interconnection agreement with distribution companies, as per Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) rules.

The NBF firmly supports this decision undertaken by the Delhi HC and encourages all relevant authorities to promptly comply with the court's directive. They believe this ruling will set a precedent for upholding press freedom and protecting journalists' rights across India. 

The NBF, in a statement issued to the press, said, "We commend the Delhi High Court for its commitment to safeguarding constitutional rights and promoting free and independent media. This decision is a victory for democracy and a reminder of the critical role judicial oversight plays in preserving our fundamental freedoms. The NBF will continue to advocate for journalists' rights and the free flow of information. They call on the government and regulatory bodies to take proactive measures to prevent future blackouts and ensure media channels can operate without undue interference."