Draft code for TV, Radio steers clear of sting operation issue

New Delhi, June 1 (UNI) The draft code for content of TV channels, FM Radio and Community Radio which is almost ready, has left out the controversial issue of the sting operations.

It can be said to have touched the matter only indirectly by providing that the news and current affairs programme will not deliberately present any ''unverified, inaccurate facts and half-truths.'' These guidelines can cover sting operations too, but the code does not go any specifics, Secretary Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Asha Swarup told reporters here after the last meeting of the content code committee here today.

She also said the code categorises movies as Adult, Universal and Adult-Universal(AU). The slot for adult movies is from 2300 hrs to 0400 hrs, and for AU films from 2000 hrs to 0400 hrs.

There were some opposition to the AU category on the argument that in films shown in cinema halls there was no such category. But, the other view was that films in cinema halls were seen by choice while TV was open to viewing by all at home 24 hours, she said.

She said the code provides regulation of content at three levels--one at the level of broadcast service providers, the other at the chief editors's level and the third at the level of the government regulator, but the emphasis would be on self-regulation.

Left leader and president of the All India Democratic Women's Association(AIDWA) Ms Subhashini Ali, who also took part in today's meeting, said that some members from the industry expressed fears of the regulator turning out to be too powerful.

She also said women organisations wanted the code to be more specific against TV programmes and ads promoting whether dirctly or indirctly the practice of dowry, superstitions, inferiority complex among women about their skin complexion and obscenity.

The draft puts many restrictions on depicting violence, horror and superstitious practices.

Also among the Don'ts are criticism of the judicial process, and of friendly countries, and casting aspersions on the integrity of the President or the judiciary.

It also prohibits ''malicious distortion or demeaning the physical attributes or personal traits of a national leader or a state dignitary.'' The Ministry today elicited the views of representatives of the industry, broadcasters and of civil society as a whole on the draft code copies of which had already been circulated among them.

The representatives have been given 15 days time more to send their final views in the light of today's discussions. After that the code will be put on the Ministry's website for public comments and suggestions.

Information and Broadcasting Minister P R Dasmunsi will discuss the code with industry representatives on June 8.

The new code will be incorporated in the coming Broadcasting Services Regulation Bill.

UNI