The News Broadcasting Standards Authority has directed electronic news channels, Aaj Tak, Zee News, News 24, and India TV to air an apology for insensitive reporting and sensationalizing the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput, Live Law reported.
The Authority said it has censured Aaj Tak, Zee News and News 24 channels for running insensitive Tag Lines that had the effect of violating the privacy and affecting the dignity of the deceased.
The order was signed and released by NBSA chairperson retired Supreme Court Justice AK Sikri.Â
NBSA also imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh on Aaj Tak for telecasting fake tweets related to Rajput.
“While it is the duty of the news channel to report news, which may be in public interest and the persons being reported upon may get justice from such media reports, it is equally important to present the news in a manner which does not violate the privacy of the dead nor sensationalise a tragic incident. It is important that the dead must not be subjected to unnecessary media glare,” the NBSA notice reads.
Zee News had flashed “7 questions on Sushant’s death,” Aaj Tak had used titles like “Sushant itne ashant kaise,” while News 24 had displayed headlines like “Hey, why didn’t you watch your own film Sushant?”
