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Thursday, Jul 31, 2008
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Story had many loose ends, says channel

New Delhi: The television channel that was involved in the sting operation in the ‘cash for vote’ scam, which rocked the Lok Sabha last week, said on Wednesday it did not air the tapes relating to it because the story was not “complete” and had many “loose ends.”

“Quite simply, we have chosen not to telecast the story yet because we did not feel that the story was complete. Credible journalism is based on accuracy not speed, facts not sensationalism, reportage not allegations and assumptions.

“Our rigorous editorial protocol demands that even a hidden camera shoot is absolutely water-tight. In this particular story, there were many loose ends that needed to be cross-checked, corroborated and investigated further before the story could be aired,” the channel, CNN IBN,’ said in a press statement.

The channel said last week there had been speculation, based on hearsay and conjecture, over the sting operation conducted by it to expose allegations of bribery in the run-up to the trust vote in the Lok Sabha. It said that even before it could complete the process of investigation, three BJP MPs made allegations in Parliament of having been bribed and displayed cash in the House.

In the politically surcharged circumstances, the statement said, the channel felt the more appropriate step would be to provide the recordings made till date to the Speaker.

“All the raw, unedited footage was placed before the Speaker within 24 hours of the Parliament fracas. Not a single frame has been edited in any form. The Speaker has subsequently ordered an inquiry, which media reports suggest, is to be completed by the 11th of August. “We will fully cooperate with the Parliamentary panel and provide them all information available with us. At the same time, as we have informed the Speaker’s office, we reserve the right to telecast the story as and when we believe we are in a position to do so.” — PTI

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