Mumbai: It’s a moment of truth for reality shows with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issuing a notice to Sach Ka Samna for "offending good taste and decency".
But who defines 'good taste' and 'decency'?
“All of us, whether private players or civil society, (should know) there are sensitivities that have to be addressed, by everybody,” says Minister of Information and Broadcasting, Ambika Soni.
The guidelines for TV channels are extensive, and they talk about on sex and nudity to language and violence.
TV Content, the guidelines say, should not 'Incite or Encourage Viewers to Obscene or Indecent Behavior'
Each show also gets a certificate:
- U (Universal): for all ages, can be aired any time
- U/A (Universal/Adult): For over 12 yrs with parental guidance, to air between 2000 hrs IST and 0400 hrs IST
- A (Adult): For those over 18 that can only be aired after 2300 hrs.
But most reality shows with strong language, bold visuals and controversial themes are aired between 1900 hrs and 2300 hrs, in a clear violation of these rules.
The channels meanwhile insist they are being responsible.
“There's nothing one should overly worry about,” says Gurdeep Bangoo of Sony Entertainment TV.
So is self regulation enough or do TV channels need the I-B ministry to bring them to heels? Is an independent regulatory body needed to keep a check on TV content? And then, the bigger question: will regulated, sanitised, shows get the eyeballs and the TRPs?
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