A look at the way the industry functions shows that broadcasters are largely self-censored and generally follow a certain content code that has been set by the broadcaster itself or its international parent Network. For example, Star India follows the Star TV Hong Kong code and currently certain other broadcasters follow the programming codes of the country they uplink from—mainly Hong Kong and Singapore. Singapore has a Censorship Review Committee, while Hong Kong has a Family Viewing Policy which clearly specifies the hours meant for family viewing.
This includes all original fiction shows which are commissioned by broadcasters and assigned to various production houses. Generally, all production houses follow the programming codes and norms set by the respective broadcasters. In India, there is a Cable Television Network Regulation Act, wherein certain codes have been prescribed for programmes and advertisements appearing on any Cable & Satellite TV Network. The offences under Cable Television Network Regulation Act being non-cognizable, a specific complaint has to be made by an officer authorised by the state governments. For instance, the govenment of Tamil Nadu has authorised collectors and sub-collectors for this purpose. There is a Doordarshan code which is mandatory for all Doordarshan Kendras. The same is also supposed to be followed by all C&S TV channels. However, both the codes, the Cable Television Network Regulation Act and the DD Code are not stringently followed by all broadcasters.
The moral brigade has at times raised concerns about the growing amount of adultery, growing alcoholism, increased violence, religious misrepresentation. This includes all Non Fiction programming such as Format Shows, Talk Shows, Music Based Shows, Reality Shows, Talent Hunts, Fashion and Lifestyle shows etc. Fashion and lifestyle channels such as Trendz and FTV have always invoked strong protests from social awareness groups and political parties.
Currently, all TV Channels are required to air only those movies that have a valid Censor certificate. However, a lot of movie channels and regional language channels air late night B grade movies and movies with a lot of ‘sex’. A lot of objections have been raised against the influx of raunchy music videos, specially the remixes.
However, these videos are aired regularly throughout the day on all music channels. English Movie channels such as HBO, Star Movies follow international codes and clearly specify the Age Group for whom the movie is suitable to view.
News Programming is a highly sensitive TV programming area as news content has the power to affect vital sensitive issues such as national security, communal harmony etc times, there have been cases of News Channels spreading rumours, or overplaying instances of violence or communal disharmony and misreporting on certain issues.
The TV News business requires a responsible content and programming code which should be followed by all News Channels compulsorily.
By law, all kinds of Tobacco and Liquor products are banned from any kind of Advertising on Television. However, these products heavily use surrogate forms of advertising and are still visible across TV. The Brands promote their affiliate products which still carry the mother Brand Name.
There needs to be a clear mandate and norms set for surrogate advertising of tobacco and liquor products.
Solution Suggested : The government of India could actually go ahead and set up the long pending regulatory body to overlook broadcasting – the Broadcasting Regulatory Authority of India (BRAI) to overlook the television business. The distribution part of the Television business—viz. Cable TV, Broadband etc could be overlooked by the TRAI (Telecom Regulatory Authority of India), while the BRAI could focus on content.
Agreed, there should be Censorship and Content Regulation on vital issues such as News which can affect national security; and kids should be prevented from seeing excessive violence or sexual content. But, all said and done the Code and its norms should be dynamic, keeping in mind that our society is fast evolving.
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