NBSA asks Republic TV to tender full screen apology to its viewers for comments made during the #JigneshFlopShow debate

The News Broadcasting Standards Authority has asked Arnab Goswami to apologise to his viewers for inappropriate comments made while anchoring the “Jignesh Flop Show” primetime debate on January 9.

NBSA said Republic TV had “violated the code of ethics and broadcasting standards of NBA…and should therefore air an apology.” The issue pertains to the channel alleging that the complainant, Singh, had harassed their reporter, Shivani Gupta, while reporting at Vadgam MLA Jignesh Mevani’s ‘flop show’ rally. Goswami had said: “I am going to show these crude, lewd hyenas/show the dirty faces of lewd , cheap, vulgar, sexist, pervert Anti-Indian goons.”

In its decision, the NBSA has stated that “the broadcaster shall, prior to the commencement of the 9 PM news on 7/9/2018 (this Friday), air the following text (static) on its channel (Republic TV), on full screen in large font size with a clearly audible voice-over (in slow speed) expressing regret on its channel by stating the following:”

The NBSA’s decision also stated that if the broadcaster failed to tender this apology on the stipulated date and time, it would have to air a longer version of the aforesaid apology prior to the commencement of the 9 pm news on September 14.

Furthermore, the video of the said broadcast, if hosted on the website Republic TV, or Youtube, or any other links, should be removed immediately and confirmed to NBSA in writing within 7 days.

Republic TV will also have to submit a CD containing the telecast of its apology with particulars, within one week, as proof of compliance.