UK media watchdog fines Khalsa TV for violence, terror references
The UK's media watchdog, Office of Communication, has imposed a fine of £50,000 on Khalsa Television Limited in Britain for broadcasting a music video and discussion program that was an indirect call for British-Sikh to commit violence and contained terror reference. Ofcom investigated the video and program and issued an order on Friday following its findings dating back to February and November 2019.
What did the Ofcom order say?
The order directed the channel to broadcast a statement of Ofcom's findings on a date and in a form to be determined by the watchdog and also for KTV not to repeat the music video or the discussion program found in breach of its rules.
Penalties of £20,000 for music video, £30,000 for discussion program
An official statement by Ofcom states, "Ofcom has imposed financial penalties of £20,000 and £30,000 on Khalsa Television Limited in relation to its service KTV for failing to comply with our broadcasting rules." "The £20,000 penalty relates to a music video. The £30,000 penalty relates to a discussion program," the Ofcom decision added.
Music video was an indirect call to commit violence
On July 4, 7, and 9 in 2018, KTV broadcast a music video for a song called Bagga and Shera. Ofcom found that the music video was an indirect call to British-Sikhs to commit violence. It also contained an image of former Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, which Ofcom noted emphasized the video's narrative of advocating violent action against the Indian state.
Video flashed on-screen texts that allegedly sought to influence viewers
The music video included brief flashes, which, when slowed down, revealed frames of on-screen text. It appeared to be seeking to influence viewers by conveying a message to them or otherwise influencing their minds without their being aware, or fully aware, of what has occurred, which Ofcom found was in breach of its rules of the broadcast.
'Views expressed on discussion program amounted to calls for action'
The discussion program in question was aired live on March 30, 2019, as Panthak Masle. Ofcom found that the program provided a platform to several guests to express views that amounted to indirect calls to action and were likely to encourage or incite the commission of a crime or lead to disorder.
Discussion program included a reference to a proscribed terrorist organization
"Ofcom also found that the discussion program included a reference to the proscribed terrorist organization, Babbar Khalsa, and which in our view could be taken as legitimizing it and normalizing its aims and actions in the eyes of viewers," Ofcom noted.
Ofcom had to commission an English translation
Ofcom had to commission an English translation as the discussion program was broadcast in Punjabi. Ofcom said, "KTV was notified about the investigation and did not initially raise accuracy issues but later did, resulting in a second translation." It concluded that KTV failed to ensure that the material that was potentially highly offensive to viewers was justified by context.
KTV describes itself as being completely impartial and honest
On its website, KTV describes itself as an exciting channel, airing a range of cultural, educational, and entertaining programs for audiences of all ages. It says it prides itself on being completely independent, impartial, and honest.
