GUWAHATI: A fine of 20,000 pounds (approx. 19 lakhs INR) was imposed on Arnab Goswami's Republic Bharat by the United Kingdom's regulator, Office of Communications (Ofcom), for broadcasting content that breached the code against "hate speech".
The order was sent to Worldview Media Network Limited which holds the broadcasting license for Republic Bharat. It was linked to an episode telecast on 6th September 2019 presented by Editor-In-Chief Arnab Goswami on his discussion programme Poochta Hain Bharat where terms like "terrorists" and "beggars" were used for Pakistani nationals.
The order against Worldview Media Network Limited read, “Ofcom’s Executive found that this programme contained uncontextualise hate speech and that this content was potentially highly offensive, breaching Rules 2.3, 3.2 and 3.3 of the Code."
The order further stated, “program contained statements which amounted to hate speech against, and was abusive and derogatory about, Pakistani people on the basis of their nationality."
It also took into note the use of the abbreviation “Paki”, which it said was a racist word and unacceptable to the UK audience.
On February 24 this year, the decision on the breach of the Ofcom code was taken and the fine was levied on Tuesday, 22nd December.
Republic Bharat had also been asked to air an apology for the same.
