'NaMo TV not a news service,' Tata Sky changes stance post controversy

Amidst the raging controversy over the launch of NaMo TV, channel exclusively featuring PM Narendra Modi, the DTH service provider Tata Sky has changed its stance after calling it a news service, and has said, that it is “not a Hindi news service.”

Tata Sky in an earlier tweet had claimed, “NaMo TV is a Hindi news service which provides the latest breaking news on national politics.”

Harit Nagpal, the CEO of the Tata Sky has told news channel NDTV that, “NaMo TV is not a Hindi News service. If someone in the frontline at Tata Sky has tweeted or said that it is a news service, it is a mistake.”

As per media reports, NaMo TV has not procured any license or security clearance from the Information and Broadcasting Ministry but it was aired without anyone’s consent. Although, CEO Harit Nagpal added that “NaMo TV does not fall into any genre and the feed is coming from the BJP via Internet, and special services do not need a license.”

Soon after the launch of NaMo TV on March 31st, PM Narendra Modi who interacted with Chowkidars across the country via video conferencing, tweeted, “The day we were most looking forward to is here! At 5 PM, lakhs of Chowkidars from different parts of India will interact in the historic #MainBhiChowkidar programme. This is an interaction you must not miss. Watch it live on the NaMoApp or NaMo TV.”

The BJP which has been mum over the issue has tried to tread the path cautiously and Union Minister Arun Jaitley has said, “Let the appropriate authorities answer. Let the Information and Broadcasting and EC (Election Commission) comment on it. You and I should not get into it.”

Also read: NaMo TV has no broadcast license, didn't apply for it, claims report