India: Govt to regulate pvt TV channels, check piracy

[Len]

The Maharashtra government will regulate private cable television channels, FM and community radio. It has — in an unprecedented move — appointed a committee to monitor the content of radio stations under the secretary of information and public relation department. Similar committees will be set up at the district level too. The government said the move is as per the Cable Television Regulation Act.

“The committee will be headed by secretary of information and the public relations department of the government, police DG, secretary of the social justice department and the women and child welfare committee, a representative from a leading women organisation, an expert from the communication or psychology sector and director of the government’s publicity department,” an official from Mantralaya said.

The committee is expected to point out to state governments if any programme is affecting public order or spreading animosity among communities. The public can register their complaints to the committee regarding the content if they find it objectionable. The committee will conduct hearings in such cases to sort out the issue and can give directives to the concern person, the official added.

“The district-level committees will keep a watch on content carried by cable television channels at local level to ensure that no unauthorised or pirated channels are carried. It will also ensure that the contest aired by the cable television operator is presented in a manner that is balanced impartial and not likely to offend or incite any community. It will monitor the availability of free-to-air channels and channels notified for mandatory carriage on the cable network,” the official said.