Govt draws up content code for TV channels; sets time aside for adults

NEW DELHI: The government has drawn up the first formal content code for TV channels, DNA has learnt. According to a source, a part of the code is likely to be incorporated in the proposed Broadcasting Services Regulation Bill.

The code will prescribe a watershed time band for TV viewing. The source said films with ‘A’ and ‘U/A’ censor certification, and other programmes for adult viewing, would be permitted across channels from 11pm to 5am. Only those films and programmes certified as ‘U’ will be allowed outside that time band.

Self-regulation clauses will also be part of the code. Complaints against objectionable content on channels can be filed by associations or groups of people, in accordance with self-regulation rules. TV channels must revert in case such complaints are registered.

The content code is believed to envisage the creation of a panel to monitor self-regulation. Indian Broadcasting Foundation, the association for TV channels, may act as the monitoring panel.

The Broadcasting Bill is expected to be introduced in the next session of Parliament. When a controversy ensued over the inclusion of what some perceived as ‘draconian clauses’ in the bill, the government held a series of meetings with the industry. Information and Broadcasting Minister PR Dasmunsi subsequently allayed the fears of the industry on that count.