The ruling AIADMK (Amma, PTA) found itself in an embarrassing position on Monday after it adopted a resolution to initiate steps to take over control of Jaya TV and Dr Namadhu MGR , a daily, at a meeting attended by Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami and Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam among others.
While the media outlets were widely seen as mouthpieces of the AIADMK during Jayalalithaa’s time, Jaya TV managing director Vivek Jayaraman, the son of J. Ilavarsai, a co-convict in the disproportionate assets case, issued a statement in the evening pointing out that they were privately owned entities. Sasikala is the major shareholder in this firm with nearly 81% holding.
Ever since the AIADMK faction headed by Mr. Palaniswami chose to sideline party deputy general secretary T.T.V. Dhinakaran, both Jaya TV and Dr. Namadhu MGR have been carrying news highly critical of the government.
Questions resolution
Claiming that the resolution adopted at the AIADMK (Amma, PTA) meeting was an attack on an “independent” media house, Mr. Vivek, questioned, “How can government officials or members of a political party take over a private company? Despite knowing that these are private companies, they have passed a resolution because they have power in their hands. This is a direct attack on an independent media house.”
Headquartered in Chennai, Mavis Satcom Ltd, the parent company that runs Jaya TV, was incorporated in November 1998. Jaya TV was formally launched in 1999 in Tamil language.
In December 2008, Jaya Network launched Jaya Plus, a 24/7 news channel. It also came up with a music channel called Jaya Max and a movie channel called J-Movies.
As on March 2015, Mavis Satcom Ltd had a share capital of ₹86.94 lakh with 67 shareholders. Two other firms Signet Exports and Jazz Cinemas held 4% each in Mavis Satcom while the remaining shares were held by several individuals and extended family members of Sasikala.
During financial year 2015, Mavis Satcom Public Ltd reported a profit of ₹51.09 crore and an income of ₹136.64 crore. Mr. Dhinakaran’s wife Anuradha and her sister Prabha Sivakumar also play a crucial role in the administration of Jaya TV.
Mr. Vivek Jayaraman said, “These are private companies. I will not let outsiders to come and take over these companies.” Stating that he would face any legal threats or hurdles thrown his way, he claimed, “There have been subtle threats of I-T raids and cases being slapped, but since truth is on our side, we will face it.”
