MUMBAI: The News Broadcasters Federation (NBF) has expressed concern and shock at the recent attempt to attack Republic TV managing director and editor-in-chief Arnab Goswami, and his wife, by a section of a particular political party in Mumbai, while they were driving back home from work.
"The NBF strongly condemns the attempt to attack Arnab, for performing his professional duty," said NBF secretary-general R Jai Krishna.
"The attack on Arnab Goswami will not be taken lightly. We stand by Arnab and will do whatever required in this fight. Attack on media will not be tolerated," said Prag News (Assam) founder Sanjive Narain.
"Sorry to know about this incident. The government should provide sufficient personal security," said Digvijay News (Karnataka) MD Anand Sankeshwar.
"It is very shocking," said Twentyfour News MD Sreekantan Nair. "We strongly protest against the incident, and request the police to take immediate action to arrest the culprits."
"We at ITV Network condemn this cowardly act of violence against Arnab Goswami and his family in today’s India. This is unacceptable and must be condemned by all," said ITV Network promoter Kartikeya Sharma.
"It’s disgraceful for someone to attack Arnab and his wife. Such a cowardly act is deeply condemnable and shouldn’t be taken so easily. This is the price a journalist gets for raising relevant questions; it’s a shame. NBF and its members wouldn’t hesitate to go on a protest if the perpetrators are not brought to light soon,” said Fourth Dimension CEO Shankar Bala.
Journalists are professionals and reflect the views and sentiments of the larger people, opined NBF in a release, adding that instead of engaging in a democratic debate, such incidents of harassment and attempt to physically attack the individual is shocking and highly condemnable.
NBF is India’s largest industry association representing the combined interests of over 300 TV news channels, discharging the essential service of taking news and information to the doorsteps of 100 crore Indians.