Prasar Bharati May Terminate Multi-crore PTI Contract Over Biased Reports, Propagandist Interview With Chinese Diplomat

Already facing flak for publishing an interview with Chinese ambassador Sun Weidong (that was described by seasoned media watchers described as a propaganda handout by Chinese state), Press Trust Of India (PTI) faces fresh trouble as India’s state public broadcaster Prasar Bharathi may soon opt to cancel its subscription contract with the news agency.

Founded in 1949, PTI is the largest news agency in India and commands a dominant share of news agency market share in the country.

During the interview with PTI, Ambassador Sun reiterated the propaganda of the Chinese Communist regime— which has been rejected by India — that Indian troops are responsible for the Galwan Valley clashes. “The onus is not on China. The Indian side crossed the LAC (Line of Actual Control) for provocation and attacked the Chinese border troops. The Indian forces seriously violated agreements on border issues between the two countries,” he claimed

Ahead of PTI Board Meeting today (May 27), Prasar Bharati is said to have written a strongly-worded letter expressing deep displeasure on continued slant in reporting by PTI including the publishing of latest interview Chinese Ambassador without conforming to fair journalistic practices

Prasar Bharati has indicated that the PTI reporting practices makes it untenable for the broadcaster continue its relationship with the news agency.

As part of subscription contract, PTI receives huge annual fees from Prasar Bharati running into several crores over few decades. PTI has repeatedly refused to review the terms and condition of the contract since 2016-2017

Prasar Bharati is said to be in the process of reviewing its long-term relationship with PTI and final decision on the same is likely to be arrived soon.