Ban gone in the smoke?

Thirty-one television channels have been sent show-cause notices by the government for violating rules that forbid them from beaming advertisements of tobacco, liquor or other intoxicants, the Lok Sabha was informed today.

In a written reply, Information and Broadcasting Minister P R Dasmunsi said advertisements of TV channels transmitted or re-transmitted through cable network are required to adhere to the advertising code prescribed in the Cable Television Networks Rules 1994.

The government has constituted a Committee to review the programme and advertising codes prescribed under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act 1995 and rules framed thereunder and the guidelines for certification of the films prescribed under the Cinematograph Act 1952, the Minister said replying to another query.

He said the Committee has been mandated to revise and harmonise the CBFC guidelines and AIR code in accordance with contemporary community standards and laws in force and to amplify the provisions of the guidelines with a view to enabling the film, TV and radio industry to use them for self-regulation and minimise the scope of their subjective interpretation, on the lines of OFCOM or Australian codes, he informed the House.

To another a question, Dasmunsi said the government was considering amendment in the Press and Registration of Books Act 1867 to bring it in line with the present times. However, no timeframe for the proposed amendment can be given since it is to be processed at various stages and passed by the Parliament.

A draft Bill is being prepared to set up a Broadcasting Regulatory Authority for the sector.