Media One License Issue

February 8, 2022

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting recently cancelled the broadcasting license of Media One Channel. The license was cancelled after the home ministry raised security issues against the channel and denied “security clearance”. Media One is a Malayalam news channel.

What is the issue?

Media One is operating since 2013. The channel recently applied for a renewal of its license. But the renewal was cancelled based on home ministry’s advice. The channel cannot uplink and downlink news. The broadcasting ministry issued show cause notice to the channel. The notice did not provide any reasons. It has simply said that the security clearance is provided based on parameters set by the home ministry.

Suspension of Media One in 2020

This is the second time, the broadcast of media one is being suspended. Earlier it was suspended in 2020. In 2020, the channel was suspended for covering Delhi riots.

What did the Kerala HC say on the issue?

On January 31, 2022, the channel was banned for the second time. The Kerala High Court temporarily deferred the order of the ministry till next hearing. On February 8, 2022, that is, on the subsequent hearing, the HC upheld the decision of home ministry. The court agreed to suspend the license and held the action valid. However, the HC also did not give reasons for its upholding.

What is the stand of Home Ministry on the issue?

According to the home ministry, the channel is highlighting the attacks conducted against worship places. Thereby it is siding towards particular community. Also, while streaming the Delhi riots, the channel was biased.

Delhi riots

The Delhi riots happened on February 23, 2020. During the riots, more than 53 people were killed. The mishap was around the issue of Citizenship Amendment Act, 2019.

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