NDTV Scandal: Unveiling the Fraud and Corruption Allegations

In the world of Indian media, NDTV once stood as a beacon of information and news. However, over the years, numerous allegations of fraud and corruption have surfaced, leading to a detailed scrutiny of the channel's practices. In his book, NDTV TV FRAUDS BY SREE IYER, writer Sree Iyer delves into the complex web of financial and ethical improprieties accused against NDTV's founding member, Pronoy Roy, his loyalists, and even high-ranking government officials.

Introduction and Background

NDTV was established in the 1980s and has since grown to be one of the most influential news channels in India. However, the channels' questionable conduct has been a matter of public debate and scrutiny. The book NDTV TV FRAUDS BY SREE IYER sheds light on numerous alleged fraudulent activities, including hiring malpractices, financial improprieties, and political influence through corrupt practices.

Ongoing Contracts and Support from Doordarshan

One of the earliest instances of suspected fraud involved NDTV's contract with Doordarshan, the national broadcasting service. In 1988, NDTV secured a contract to produce the weekly show The World This Week, anchored by Prannoy Roy. Doordarshan provided substantial support and resources to NDTV, which gave the nascent channel a significant boost. This aided in the rapid expansion and growth of NDTV.

However, the relationship with Doordarshan also raised questions about the channel's integrity. The book reveals how top officials of Doordarshan aided NDTV in various ways, using their power and access to benefits and resources.

Nepotism and Financial Improprieties

One of the most damning accusations in Iyer's book pertains to the nepotism and financial improprieties within NDTV. For instance, Iyer cites an instance where a novice reporter from the Times of India, earning a measly Rs. 7,000, was recruited by Rajdeep Sardesai at an exorbitant salary of Rs. 75,000 per month. Another instance involved employing an incompetent stringer, Abhisar Sharma, at a generous salary of Rs. 70,000 per month to his wife, Shumana Sen.

These hiring practices, Iyer argues, were not based on merit but rather on nepotism and the alternate means of paying bribes or kickbacks. Such practices significantly altered the journalism landscape, as they allowed easy access to power corridors for media houses.

Key Financial Transactions and Government Dealing

The book also details several significant financial deals that are allegedly shady. In 2008, the Income Tax Department uncovered a transaction where NDTV received Rs. 642 crores from NBC Universal Inc and Universal Studios International BV, routed through Bermuda and a shell company in the Netherlands named NDTV Networks International Holdings BV. The suspicious transaction involved the payment of Rs. 7015 per share, which was 159 times the face value of Rs. 45.

Iyer suggests that these funds were channelled through NDTV as the conduit for 'speed money' in a major deal between General Electric (GE) and Indian Railways. This suggested that the money might have been used to influence the political and financial decisions surrounding the Deal.

Ratikanta Basu and the Political Connections

The book also highlights the interconnected nature of NDTV and key politicians, particularly with Ratikanta Basu, a top Doordarshan official who later joined Star News. This poses questions about the managerial and political decisions that may have influenced NDTV's actions and policies.

CBI Investigation and Political Interference

In 1998, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Prannoy Roy and several officials from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for their alleged roles in siphoning off public money from Doordarshan. However, these investigations were halted due to political interference, as Arun Jaitley, a political ally of Roy, became the Information and Broadcasting Minister in 1999. Despite the ongoing CBI case, the NDA Government granted NDTV two licenses to operate news channels in India.

Conclusions: A Perpetual Controversy

Iyer's book suggests a continuation of unethical practices and political influence within NDTV, leading to significant questions about the channel's legitimacy and its role in shaping public discourse. While public knowledge may have expanded, legal and judicial processes often take time, and it remains to be seen how these allegations will fare in the court of law.

Although NDTV has maintained its position as a prominent news channel, the allegations raise critical issues about ethics in journalism and media integrity. As such, the public and regulatory bodies must continue to scrutinize NDTV's activities and practices to uphold journalistic standards.