Question : Violation of Programme Code

(a) the details of the programme code and norms prescribed by the Government for operation of TV channels in the country;

(b) whether the Government has received complaints against a number of TV channels found violating these programme code and norms;

(c) if so, the details thereof during the last three years including the norms which have been violated by these channels and action taken by the Government thereon, channel-wise; and

(d) the action taken/ proposed to be taken by the Government for strict follow-up of the programme code and norms by all TV channels?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF INFORMATION & BROADCASTING
[COL RAJYAVARDHAN RATHORE (Retd.)]

(a) to (d): Content telecast on private satellite TV channels is regulated in accordance with the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 and the Rules framed thereunder. There is no provision of pre-censorship of the content telecast on such TV channels. However, all programmes and advertisements telecast on such TV channels are required to adhere to the Programme Code and Advertising Code prescribed under the said Act and the Rules framed thereunder. Action is taken whenever any violation of the said codes is noticed or brought to the notice of the Ministry. The said codes contain a whole range of parameters to regulate programmes and advertisements on TV channels. The relevant Programme Code and Advertising Code under Rule 6 & 7 are available on the Ministry’s website: i.e. www.mib.nic.in. The details of action taken against TV channels for telecasting programme and advertisements in violation of the Programme and Advertising Codes during the last three years and the current year are enclosed at Annexure. The existing provisions contained in the Programme & Advertising Codes and the existing mechanism are considered adequate to regulate content of private TV channels.
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