Assamese news channel gets warning from MIB for airing disturbing visuals

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on 7th May 2014 had issues a warning to DY 365, a 24 hour news channel from Assam, for airing “extremely disturbing visuals of dead bodies and badly injured people including children” on multiple occasions. 

Earlier on 26th September 2013, the Ministry had issued as show-cause notice, under the provisions of the Programme Code contained in the Cable Television Network Rules, to the channel operated by Brahmaputra Tele Productions 1994 (CTNR), for airing the said visuals on 10 different occasions between July 2012 and May 2013. 

As per ministry, the channel has violated following Rules. 

Rule 6 (1) (a): which provides that no programme should be carried in the cable service which offends against good taste or decency.

Rule 6 (1) (o): which provides that no programme should be carried in the cable service which is not suitable for unrestricted public exhibition.

Rule 6 (5) : Programmes unsuitable for children must not be carried in the cable service at times when the largest numbers of children are viewing.

In reply to the SCN, the channel said that they had shown the faces of the deceased in the news with a view that the near and dear relatives of the deceased could identify them. They further stated that there was no deliberate or intentional motive on the part of the channel to show the faces of the deceased in the news telecast. 

However, the channel concluded their reply by offering unconditional apology for any hurt it may have caused. The channel also stated that they are ready to cooperate in every way possible to telecast programmes in conformity with the provisions of the CTNR 1994. 

An inter-ministerial committee (IMC) considered the matter in its meeting held on 26 February, where an opportunity for personal hearing was also offered to the channel. The IMC observed that the telecast of news has clearly violated the provisions of the Programme Code, particularly Rules 6(1)(a), 6(1)(o), and 6 (5) of CTNR, 1994. The IMC, therefore, recommended that DY 365 be issued a warning to be careful in future.

Source: http://cablequest.org/news/national-news/item/4794-assamese-news-channel-gets-warning-from-mib-for-airing-disturbing-visuals.html
Source: http://cablequest.org/news/national-news/item/4794-assamese-news-channel-gets-warning-from-mib-for-airing-disturbing-visuals.html