Media freedom under fire? Telugu news channels blacked out in Andhra Pradesh: Reports

In a recent development in Andhra Pradesh, four prominent Telugu news channels—TV9, Sakshi TV, NTV, and 10TV—have been abruptly removed from cable TV networks since Friday night. This action, as reported by The Indian Express, is initiated by some cable TV operators in the state, has stirred allegations of political interference.

This marks the second instance since the return of the N Chandrababu Naidu-led TDP government where these channels have faced blackout, the report added. Previously, on June 6, they were taken off air for a day under similar circumstances.

Sources told The Indian Express that the Andhra Pradesh Cable TV Operators’ Association, allegedly under pressure from the ruling TDP, sought the permanent blocking of TV9, NTV, 10TV, and Sakshi TV. This move has drawn sharp criticism, with opposition leaders and media figures condemning it as an assault on press freedom.

Responding to these accusations, Andhra Pradesh IT Minister N Lokesh Naidu denied any government directive to block the channels, and told the news daily, “Neither TDP nor any NDA leaders in the state have given any instructions to anyone to block any news channels.”

Meanwhile, executives from the affected channels expressed concerns over the lack of transparency regarding the orders to blackout their broadcasts. They highlighted that while the channels have been removed from cable networks, they remain accessible through direct-to-home (DTH) platforms.

Industry sources told TIE that TV9, NTV, and Sakshi TV collectively command a significant portion of viewership in Andhra Pradesh, underscoring their influence in the region’s media landscape.

In a letter addressed to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and copied to key government officials, YSR CP leader S Niranjan Reddy condemned the move, emphasizing its potential to intimidate media organizations from reporting freely on sensitive issues.

The controversy echoes past incidents in the region, notably in May 2021, when similar actions were taken against other Telugu news channels considered pro-TDP. Moneycontrol