New Delhi: This afternoon, National Broadcasters Association (NBA) demanded for the suspension Republic TV’s IBF membership in light of the leaked transcripts of the channel’s MD and editor-in-chief Arnab Goswami’s WhatsApp chats with former BARC CEO Partho Dasgupta.

Goswami has hit back and claimed that a lobby of Lutyens channels is trying to put pressure on BARC to act against Republic TV while the matter is in court. The country knows the case against the network is one of political malice; it’s a fixed match, he alleged.

“I urge the government and the people of India not to allow this injustice. At a time when Republic is fighting an attack from Pakistan, Lutyens media wants to pressurise BARC to act against us. Will BARC take action against channels which are being interrogated by the ED? Should they be suspended in the interim? I am writing a letter to the government and BARC immediately,” said Goswami.

He further urged people of India to stand with the network against this “gigantic conspiracy.” 

People of India: Stand with @republic against this gigantic conspiracy. Republic needs your help. Stand with your Network. 4/4 pic.twitter.com/VJ19YUYf0y

— Republic (@republic) January 18, 2021

Earlier in the day, the NBA called on BARC to keep Republic TV out of the ratings system till the court passes final judgment in the alleged TRP manipulation case. It mentioned that manipulation of ratings by Republic TV has immensely damaged the reputation of the broadcast industry and therefore it should be kept out of BARC rating system till final court order.

 The association further stated that it has already conveyed to BARC that ratings are “unreliable” and should continue to be suspended beyond the initial three months mandated, in light of the recent revelations which “shows the arbitrary nature of functioning” at the agency. It also claimed that there has been a systemic lack of transparency that has prevailed right since the inception of BARC. 

NBA board has also placed its list of demands to BARC.