Self-regulatory body mooted for TV films

At a meeting held by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and the Broadcast Content Complaints Council (BCCC) in Mumbai on Wednesday, the idea of a self-regulatory body on the lines of the BCCC was mooted.

Self-regulation is increasingly finding favour among stakeholders in the media industry.

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At a meeting held by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) and the Broadcast Content Complaints Council (BCCC) in Mumbai on Wednesday, the idea of a self-regulatory body on the lines of the BCCC was mooted. If it were to come into existence, the body would decide what kind of films should be shown on television and at what hours.

“The body comprising legal experts, NGO members and people from other walks of life may be led by a retired judge,” a source said. “It will decide if a particular film is to be shown on TV or not. Film producers and government officials will not find representation in the planned body.”

BCCC, an industry body that monitors non-news content and addresses complaints, was reportedly reluctant to assume responsibility for the planned body because it already had too much work on its hands.

While movies with adult content are a strict no-no, there are movies with mature themes that are not meant for general viewing. “This body would prescreen this genre of films, and accordingly decide at what time slots they can be screened,” another source said.

Recently, films, such as ‘The Dirty Picture’ and ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’, have become the cause of much controversy.

With BCCC playing a self-regulatory role, television does not have a censoring or pre-screening authority. While the CBFC regulates films and trailers to be released in movie halls, the National Broadcasters’ Association regulates content on news channels and the Advertising Standards Council of India monitors advertisements.