Centre notifies Cable Television Networks Rules to ensure adherence to Programme Code and Advertising Code

The Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Thursday notified the Cable Television Network (Amendment) Rules, 2021, which aim to establish a statutory mechanism for citizens to raise grievances with respect to broadcasted content..The Rules lay down a three-tier grievance redressal mechanism to ensure broadcasters' adherence to the Programme Code and the Advertising Code. This includes self-regulation by broadcasters, self-regulation by a body of broadcasters and an Inter-Departmental Committee to perform oversight functions at the level of the Central government..As per the Rules, a citizen aggrieved by the content of a programme may file a written complaint to the broadcaster, who is bound to respond within 15 days. Should the complainant not be satisfied with the decision of the broadcaster, the same can be appealed before the second tier: the self-regulating body. This body is bound to dispose of the appeal in 60 days and inform the complainant of the decision within 15 days thereafter. A final appeal lies to the Central government body..The Rules require broadcasters to establish a complaint redressal mechanism and appoint an officer to deal with complaints. A means to communicate with such officer needs to be publicised appropriately on the broadcaster's website..The Rules establish independent bodies constituted by at least forty broadcasters to act as an appellate body and ensure adherence to the Programme and Advertising Codes..The following shall be the composition of this body:"Every self-regulating body referred to in sub-rule (1) shall be headed by a retired judge of the Supreme Court or of a High Court or an independent eminent person from the field of media, broadcasting, entertainment, child rights, human rights or such other relevant fields, and shall have other members, preferably not exceeding six, being independent experts in the field of media, broadcasting, entertainment, child rights, human rights and such other relevant field.".While deciding an appeal, the body is empowered to warn a broadcaster, direct for an apology to be telecast and include a warning card or disclaimer to the content..Should the self-regulating body feel the need for deletion or modification of content, it may refer the same to the oversight mechanism established by the Central Government..The Rules require the Central government to establish a committee with representatives from various ministries. The Committee will hear appeals and advise the Centre on what action may be taken against complaints..The Committee is empowered to hear complaints alleging violation of the Programme and Advertising Codes either through the three-tiered mechanism, or if such complaints are referred to it by the Central government. It may take the following actions on receipt of complaints:(i) advising, warning, censuring, admonishing or reprimanding such broadcaster; (ii) requiring an apology of such broadcaster(iii) requiring such broadcaster to include a warning card or a disclaimer(iv) requiring such broadcaster to delete or modify content or take the channel or a programme off-air for a specified time period where it is satisfied that such action is warranted, for reasons to be recorded in writing..[Read Rules Here]