The Hindu Business Line : `Content regulator for broadcasting industry may be essential'

A CONTENT regulator is probably essential for today's broadcasting world in the country but it is critical to first define what are the acceptable standards, speakers at a session on content regulation deliberated at the FICCI-Frames.

Broadcasters and government officials said self-regulation on the part of channels is absolutely essential for an effective working of such a system.

Referring to textbook forms of regulations, speakers said content control can be implemented at three levels - parental level, broadcast level and at the Government level.

Mr Karan Kuljeet Singh, Vice-President - Operations, Star India, said Star has put in place stringent content regulation systems and has a team that works on examining content both programming as well as advertisements.

According to Mr K.S. Sarma, CEO, Prasar Bharati, the justification for regulating content on television stems from the view that children are viewers and cannot make an informed choice.

"There is a choice in turning away from objectionable content by not going to a cinema to see a film, or not read a newspaper or switching off the mobile phone. But television reaches children," he said.

The concept of a super regulator, according to Mr Chintamani Rao, President, Universal McCann India, is impractical.

However, both Mr Sarma and Mr R. Parasuram, Joint Secretary, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, said that the regulator if any would only act on complaints and would not be screening all the content that appears on television.

There was also a plea to legitimise adult content by Mr Ashish Kaul, Vice-President, Corporate Brand Development, Essel Group.

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