Action against Tainted Journalist

To,
Mr. Narayan Rao, Group CEO and Executive Director
Dr. Prannoy Roy, Chairman and Wholetime Director
NDTV Convergence Ltd.
207, Okhla Industrial Estate, Phase 3
New Delhi 110020
INDIA.
Ph.:+ 91 11 26446666

We, the indian public are really shocked by the recent revelation of the telephonic conversations among top journalists, politicians and corporate lobbyists. While we got used to the fact that the majority of Indian politicians are corrupt, we had hoped that the open media would eventually turn around the Indian story. Dr. Prannoy Roy is still known as the "Father of the Indian media". NDTV has always maintained a high standard in delivering unbiased news. The news programs and the actions taken by NDTV after the revelations have shaken those beliefs. We are aware that NDTV did respond with a statement and a follow up program to facilitate your journalist to respond to the questions. Neither your statement nor that program ameliorated the situation.

We waited long enough for NDTV to respond to the revelations appropriately. Despite people's outrage over the issue, NDTV's silence in this regard is less than impressive and in fact it puts 21 year old credibility of this company and Dr. Roy's reputation at stake directly. We could not believe that NDTV did not take any action in this regard for so long. We are very disappointed in seeing NDTV defending the journalist involved, namely Barkha Dutt. We urge you to take corrective action in this regard, at the least expelling the journalist involved from NDTV. We are unable to watch NDTV without any suspicion when there is a tainted journalist on the screen with a smile. Open media will not have any reputation in any issues, if one of the leading media, NDTV does not stand up to this current challenge. A company's history and 21 year old reputation is larger than saving an individual from the current crisis.

This will not only bring NDTVs credibility back, but would also provide much needed leadership in morale for the media industry. NDTV has created the media in India with the help of Dr. Roy. Sir, we are confident that NDTV can also give the moral boost to the industry at a much needed time. Our politicians believe that people forget things over time and hence it was okay to loot the country, but we hope that you will listen to your viewers and will not treat your viewers like our typical politicians do.