Blackout of channels: Minister assures action in two days

Hyderabad: Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Prakash Javadekar on Thursday said his ministry had taken serious note of the blackout of signals of two Telugu news channels in Telangana and promised to take action in two days.

He assured journalists of TV9 and ABN Andhra Jyothy who met him on Thursday that the Ministry would do whatever was legally possible. “After two days, you will see what actions are being taken,” he said at a news conference.

Noting that media freedom entails responsibility, Javadekar said the government would protect freedom of the press. “Press freedom is very important. But freedom has not come for free. Therefore, freedom entails responsibility. So, it has to be a responsible freedom. So those who enjoy freedom must also behave responsibly. But, if they are responsible, we are bound to protect them and we will do our duty,” he told reporters.

Asked about the comments of Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao on media, he said, “I have already given (my comment) yesterday.”