CHENNAI: Stung by the critical turn that its de facto mouthpieces Jaya TV and Namadhu MGR took at a time when the party is facing trouble within and out, the unified AIADMK adopted a resolution to redeem the two organs that have always been considered as the party mouthpieces by the cadre.
The move was prompted by the lack of support - and even criticism - from these two media outlets ever since the two factions came together and tried to sideline interim general secretary VK Sasikala and her family, who own and control the companies.
However, the move to capture them may be easier said than done due to legal issues involved, said experts. “These are private properties and most of the shares of these are with the family members of Sasikala,” pointed out a senior auditor long associated with the AIADMK.
Soon after the meeting adopted the resolution on Monday morning, the management responded, pointing out that the party had no powers to effect such a move.
Taking strong exception, Jaya TV chief executive officer Vivek Jayaraman insisted that the channel and daily are private organisations. “The resolution adopted at the AIADMK meet is an open threat given to the media. We will face it legally.”
Vivek is the son of Sasikala’s late brother Jayaraman and Ilavarasi; the latter is spending time behind bars with her as a co-convict in the wealth case.
Ever since Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami antagonised TTV Dhinakaran, Jaya TV and Namadhu MGR started ignoring the news related to the Chief Minister and his Cabinet.
Of late, the channel has been airing only the news relating to Dhinakaran and the MLAs supporting him. In return, the channel has been reportedly facing troubles in places including Palaniswami’s native Salem, Erode and other areas.