Republic Bharat, the Hindi news channel arm of Republic TV, was on Tuesday fined £20,000 — approximately ₹19 lakh — by the United Kingdom’s communications regulator Office of Communications (Ofcom) for broadcasting content that involved “offensive language”, “uncontextualised hate speech” and “ abusive or derogatory treatment of individuals, groups, religions or communities”.
The channel has also been asked to air an apology.
The fine was levied with reference to the channel’s daily current affairs discussion programme Poochta Hai Bharat, presented by Arnab Goswami on September 6, 2019.
As per the Ofcom statement, the debate featured in the episode focussed on India’s attempt to send the Chandrayaan 22 spacecraft to the moon on July 22, 2019. The debate between Mr. Goswami and guest contributors focussed on India-Pakistan relations.
“This included discussion of India’s record of space exploration and other technological advancements in comparison to Pakistan’s, the ongoing dispute between Pakistan and India over Kashmir, and Pakistan’s alleged involvement in terrorist activities against Indian targets,” the statement said.
Giving further details, the statement said that guests, referring to Pakistani people, remarked, “Their scientists, doctors, their leaders, politicians all are terrorists. Even their sports people. Every child is a terrorist over there. Every child is a terrorist. You are dealing with a terrorist entity”.
Mr. Goswami, addressing Pakistan, also proclaimed, “We make scientists, you make terrorists.”
The sanctions were imposed on Worldview Media Network Limited, which holds the licence for airing Republic Bharat in the U.K.
The decision on breach of the Ofcom code was taken on February 24 this year and the fine was levied on Tuesday.
“Ofcom’s Executive found that this programme contained uncontextualised hate speech and that this content was potentially highly offensive”, the statement said.
