New Delhi: The News Broadcasters Association (NBA) in a press release on Saturday expressed its sadness over the clashes between the media and the Mumbai police in the TRP scam issue. The association raised concern over how journalists working in the newsroom have become victims of the conflict between the two. ALSO READ | BJP Tears Into Mehbooba Mufti On Tricolour Remark, Clarifies Article 370 Won't Be Restored In Kashmir

The association also criticized the Republic TV over the "kind of journalism" practised by the media organisation.

"And even though Republic TV is not a member of the NBA and does not subscribe to our Code, we still take strong exception to cases filed against its editorial staff. We stand for the freedom of speech and expression of the media as enshrined in the Constitution of India. At the same time, we endorse the practice of ethics in journalism and put fair and balanced reporting at the core of what we report upon," read the official statement by the association.

The association also added that it condemns any attempt to target journalists doing their work in newsrooms but, on the other hand, also disapproves of any vindictive reporting by media.

"We condemn the reporting of baseless stories which subverts and interferes with the functioning of the law enforcement agencies," read the official communication.

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News Broadcasters Association also requested the Mumbai police to ensure no one was made a victim in the TRP scam tug of war.

"We appeal to the Mumbai police to ensure that no journalists are made victims of this crossfire. We also appeal to journalists working with Republic TV not to cross the Lakshman Rekha as clearly observed by the Bombay High Court".

News broadcasters are governed by the independent regulatory body, NBSA, headed by (Retd.) Justice A.K. Sikri. NBSA over the years has played an extremely important role in being a watchdog by monitoring content of news channels. It has acted against well-known national and regional broadcasters by levelling fines, apologies and warnings in several matters including the coverage of the death of late actor Sushant Singh Rajput.