Jitarth Jai Bharadwaj, managing editor and owner of The Australia Today, responded to the restriction by saying it has been challenging for the team
After being prohibited by Canada for broadcasting an interview with Foreign Minister S Jaishankar and Australian Senator Penny Wong’s press conference, The Australia Today news channel has expressed worries about press freedom.
Who is Jitarth Jai Bharadwaj owner of The Australia Today as its banned by Canada hours after airing S Jaishankar’s press conference
Jitarth Jai Bharadwaj is the Founder and Editor In Chief of The Australia Today. He is also an Executive Board Member in the Melbourne Press Club. He is an experienced Journalist with a demonstrated history of working in the international media industry and is skilled in Broadcasting, Storytelling, Video, News Writing, and Google Analytics and Fact Check. He is a strong arts and design professional who graduated from the University of South Australia.
Happy to share that I’ve been re-elected to the Melbourne Press Club Board! 🎉
I will to continue to work towards advancing diversity in media and ensuring that all voices are represented.
Ready to keep shaking things up and push for more diversity and real change! 🚀 pic.twitter.com/yKWHhPZlqv
— jitarth jai bharadwaj vs जितार्थ जय भारद्वाज (@EthnicLinkGuru) October 23, 2024
India’s foreign ministry on Thursday meanwhile incorrectly claimed that Canada had blocked the social media handles of Australian news website The Australia Today.
S Jaishankar visited Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and co-chaired the 15th Foreign Ministers’ Framework Dialogue with Ms. Wong as part of his final stop in Australia. Shortly after the outlet’s news conference with Mr. Jaishankar and Ms. Wong, Canada allegedly suspended its social media accounts. India strongly reacted to the action, which came amid diplomatic tensions between Ottawa and New Delhi, denouncing their “hypocrisy” over freedom of speech.
Statement from The Australia Today:
We at @TheAusToday would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to every #news outlet, #journalist, and #supporter who stood by us during a challenging time. The recent restriction and ban on our interview with Indian External Affairs Minister… pic.twitter.com/53UTd5Le19— The Australia Today (@TheAusToday) November 7, 2024
“The recent restriction and ban on our interview with Indian External Affairs Minister DrSJaishankar and the press conference with Australian Foreign Minister SenatorWong on social media, under orders from the Canadian government, have been difficult for our team and those who value free and open journalism,” Jitarth Jai Bharadwaj said.
The Australia Today commended the fraternity for being a pillar of support despite the limitations and pledged to keep pushing for an inclusive and open media environment.
In addition to raising issues with press freedom, the ban has emerged as the most recent tense moment between Canada and India that could exacerbate their diplomatic ties. When questioned about the issue yesterday, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that the “diaspora outlet’s” social media accounts and handles have been disabled and are not accessible to Canadian viewers.
After the accusations by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau against Indian agents of killing Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the relations between both these deteriorated. Canada’s designation of the Indian High Commissioner as a “person of interest” in the murder last month marked a new low in the relationship.
In response, India dismissed the accusation as “ludicrous” and withdrew a few of its top ambassadors.
About Jitarth Jai Bharadwaj
Jitarth Jai Bharadwaj graduated with an arts and design degree from University of South Australia. He is the founder & Editor In Chief at The Australia Today.