Why Zee news banned live broadcast of PM Modi’s speech?

There’s a buzz about Zee News Network stopping live broadcasts of Narendra Modi and Amit Shah’s road shows, causing speculation. Zee founder Subhash Chandra expressed disappointment over India’s low press freedom ranking and recalled a past struggle against government control.

Zee founder Subhash Chandra expressed concern over India’s low press freedom ranking, feeling a sense of déjà vu from 33 years ago when he faced government pressure. This comes after he questioned SEBI’s investigation into fund diversion.

The day before Zee Media CEO Abhay Ojha’s sudden departure, rumours circulated about Zee banning PM Narendra Modi’s live broadcasts, potentially influencing Ojha’s exit. Adding to the speculation was Chandra’s cryptic post about Raavan’s downfall due to arrogance, two days after his speech.

Saw the play ‘Mere Ram’ a powerful line by dying Ravan “मेरे पतन का कारण मुझे अपने ज्ञान का अहंकार था और राम को अहंकार का ज्ञान था” हमे इसे समझ कर अपने व्यवहार में बदलाव करने में ही लाभ है। जय भारत

— Subhash Chandra (@subhashchandra) May 5, 2024

During his address on World Press Freedom Day, celebrated on May 3, Chandra remarked, “Perhaps you might know that I am also known as the pioneer or founder of satellite television or private television in this country. Apart from Doordarshan, there was no other TV channel in 1991. And when I started it, today it has become an industry. Today there are about 500 private channels in India. Probably there will be more.”

Live coverage of road shows and election rallies by the Prime Minister, the union home minister, and other prominent BJP leaders, often excluding leaders from opposition parties, has become a regular occurrence on pro-government TV channels. This biased coverage has given the BJP an unfair advantage and undermined the concept of a fair electoral playing field.

He recounted, “I was reminded of the day of Diwali in 1991 when I met the then secretary of the ministry of information and broadcasting of the Government of India, Mr. Mahesh Prasad. I went to meet him in his office to inform him about my plan to start a private sector television satellite TV, even though it wasn’t covered under the law. I said I would surrender it to him…do you know what he said? He became very angry and said, ‘Over my dead body. I will not let you do it Subhash Chandra, and if you try to do it, I will put you in jail’. I was very shocked. I left saying I will do whatever I have to do.”

“Even today, after 33 years, I feel something similar. I will mention it another time but today I will just say that about 150 to 155 crore people watch Zee network every day in India and abroad, including in Indian languages and 10 foreign languages…I assure you that we will do our best to ensure that real news reaches your home, your mobile, everywhere.”