On September 9, as camera crews huddled outside Bollywood actor Kangana Ranaut’s office in Mumbai, an ABP News correspondent stated on air that some protesters at the venue have been brought in by a channel.
The correspondent claimed that “police presence is needed as a particular channel is calling people here for sloganeering. Representatives of the Karni Sena and Shiv Sena may also come here.” When the anchor interjected, the reporter reiterated: “Yes, a channel has brought a group of protesters here who are shouting pro-Kangana slogans and are also lashing out at other channels.”
A BananaRepublic TV channel called protesters not only to state protest for Kangana but also against India's best and most credible news channel.
— ASHUTOSH MISHRA (@JournoAshutosh) September 10, 2020
This is the lowest in the history of Indian Media and television.
Not only unethical but a criminal offence. https://t.co/gaTy5ehPxa
The video clip was shared on Twitter by a couple of India Today journalists to suggest that the channel in question is Republic TV. Without naming Republic TV, journalists like Milan Sharma, a correspondent with India Today, used the hashtag #BananaRepublic.
Perpetrated sloganeering against @aajtak by #BananaRepublic “goons” who called a mob around @KanganaTeam office. Listen to this reporter for the full story - How low will you stoop? pic.twitter.com/TdLkGu9tgF
— Milan Sharma (@Milan_reports) September 9, 2020
Both Republic TV and India Today have been caught in a bitter war for ratings ever since the Broadcast Audience Research Council released its latest ratings. According to this data, Republic TV is at the Number 1 spot based on the ratings between August 22-28. In the category of Hindi news channels also, Republic Bharat was at the topmost spot followed by Aaj Tak. Earlier this week, Rahul Kanwal had taken a dig at its rival channel. Republic TV retorted by posting the BARC ratings from their official handle.
Everyday, I receive anguished calls from Reporters working in Banana Republic desperate to get out of the madness. Feel bad for professionals who have to put up with the lunatic. Acting like a road side thug may be a lot of things but it’s not journalism. https://t.co/C1znCVLNlW
— Rahul Kanwal (@rahulkanwal) September 7, 2020
Same #BananaRepublic channels that were questioning @IndiaToday for interviewing @Tweet2Rhea are hounding Rhea all over town desperately hoping she will speak to them. So why be a sore loser. @IndiaToday got an interview you wanted. Learn to lose with grace Goebbels.
— Rahul Kanwal (@rahulkanwal) September 8, 2020
To @AroonPurie, @IndiaToday and @AajTak, here’s a tip from India’s No. 1 News Network Republic: Tell your hassled anchors that venting on social media doesn’t win the viewer’s trust. Inhale. Exhale. Be calm. It may help your news desk, which seems at bay. pic.twitter.com/ypt4wGFwnN
— Republic (@republic) September 8, 2020
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