According to sources in the know, the list will include those anchors who do not give adequate space to opposition leaders in their debates as well as try to “impose a narrative” that runs against the interests of the opposition and often works in favour of the ruling BJP.
The alliance’s ‘working group for media’ is scheduled to hold a meeting on September 8 where discussions regarding the issue will also be held, amongst other issues. The INDIA bloc is likely to release the list in a month and restrictions will be followed until the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, a member-leader of the working committee told ET on conditions of anonymity. Both Hindi and English news channel anchors will be part of the compilation.
“No channel will be boycotted but we have decided to boycott a few anchors who try to impose a certain narrative during their debates and shows.” the leader said. There are likely to be around 8-9 anchors in the list, he said.
The ‘working group for media’ announced by the INDIA bloc last week after its Mumbai meeting consists of Congress’ Jairam Ramesh, AAP’s Raghav Chaddha, RJD’s Manoj Jha, among others.
Meanwhile, the leader said that going forward, only closed-door meetings of the respective sub-groups and committees are likely to be held and any coming together of the chiefs of the parties of the grouping will be in the form of rallies which will be used as a show of unity.
