Cable operators observe black-out

Mumbai, Aug 21 (UNI) Television channels were blacked out this evening in the metropolis after cable operators decided to go off the air alleging harassment at the hands of authorities.

The cable operators are scared that action would be initiated against them if they show channels which the authorities think are vulgar, Cable Operators Distributors Association (CODA) former president Anil Parab, who is now an MLA, and current president Ganesh Naidu told UNI.

Mr Naidu and Mr Parab said the social branch sleuths had sealed the control room of eight cable operators yesterday on the allegation that they were showing adult content.

However, both Mr Naidu and Mr Parab maintained that the cable operators could not be held responsible for showing adult content.

''It is the broadcasters and producers of the content who should be held responsible,'' they said, adding the cable operators were merely relaying the transmission. There are over 100 channels and how can we monitor the content of each of them, they said. Even sports channels show advertisements which could be described as vulgar, they added.

Mr Naidu said the CODA proposes to move the High Court tomorrow seeking a clarification as to who should be held responsible for the content. He said the CODA has around 3,500 affiliated members, all of whom have gone off the air.

UNI MR MAZ AK PC2349