New Delhi [India], February 14 (HBTV): The Central Government on Friday informed Parliament that private satellite television channels are required to strictly adhere to the Advertising Code and Programme Code framed under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995, which prohibits content attacking religions or communities, promoting communal attitudes, or maligning individuals and social groups.
The Government has also notified the Cable Television Networks (Amendment) Rules, 2021, vide notification No. G.S.R. 416(E) dated June 17, 2021, establishing a statutory mechanism for redressal of grievances and complaints regarding violations of the Programme and Advertising Codes.
The Rules provide for a three-level complaint redressal mechanism. At Level I, complaints are handled by the broadcaster. At Level II, they are examined by the broadcasters’ self-regulatory bodies. At Level III, oversight is exercised by the Central Government through its oversight mechanism.
The Government stated that action against private TV channels may include issuance of advisories, warnings, apology scroll orders and off-air orders, among other measures. The Ministry also issues advisories from time to time to ensure adherence to the Programme Code.
Under the three-level grievance redressal mechanism, complaints regarding programme content at Level I and Level II are directly received and disposed of by the broadcaster and their self-regulatory bodies.
The Ministry clarified that it does not exercise direct jurisdiction over Level I and Level II entities, as oversight at Level III is provided by the Central Government.
(ANI)