News channels back in cable network

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Tuesday, 21 February 2012 21:33

Written by KalimNews

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KalimNews, Kalimpong, February 20: After a gap of 12 days all cable news channels of Kalimpong were back in Sky Scan cable Networks. These news channels were denied transmission by the Sky Satellite Linked Cable Network from 8 February on the plea that the cable may face legal complications which was indirectly indicating to the statement made by Bimal Gurung, President of Gorkha Janmukti Morcha during two speeches at Kalimpong Town Hall on 7 February and at Shibsu on 8 February. Gurung had alleged that some of the News channels of Kalimpong are airing derogatory statements and comments of GJM opposing political parties. Gurung had threatened to sue the channels.

On 8 February the local Cable Network didnot allow the local News channels except the two to air the news. The aired news and informative programme contained the Sahid Diwas observed in Shibsu and the speech of Bimal Gurung. Representation by some political parties and media organisations were made to the local administration and the cable owners demanding to allow the channels to operate as usual. The cable owner also had informal meetings with the media personnel of the News channels.On 16th a meeting was called by the Sky Scan to sort out the impasse. On 17 a meeting was called by GJM and was attended by the News channels at Gorubathan where Bimal Gurung himself intervened to resume the transmission of news channels. In the meantime several informal discussions were also held between the aggrieved parties and GJM to resume the transmission.  
 
On 19 February a meeting between the News channels and the cable owners made an MOU to start the telecasting of local news and other programmes from 20 February. The MOU between four channels namely KTv, HPC, Dainandini and Pratidin also agreed to make an agreement of code of conduct within February to safeguard the business and legal interests.

It is clear that the transmission and airing of the news programme in Kalimpong is not in accordance to the provisions made by the Information and broadcasting ministry, as such a local arrangement for the welfare of the public to provide necessary information is the need of the hour. Gurung himself has offered to do the needful in this aspect.

Meanwhile to avoid legal complications the news channels have also been directed to go along the lines of the journalistic code of conduct as provided or restricted by the concerned ministry.