Centre Amends Cable TV Rules To Provide Three-Tier Complaints Redressal Mechanism

The Union Ministry of Information and Broadcastin has amended the Cable Television Network Rules, 1994, in order to set up a three-tier mechanism for redressal of viewers grievance relating to content broadcasted by Television channels in contravention of Progarmme Code or Advertising Code. Similar to the complaint redressal structure under the new social media rules framed under the IT Act, the present rules for regulation of broadcast content provide for: Level I - A self-regulation by broadcasters; Level II - Self-regulation by the self-regulating bodies of the broadcasters; and Level III - Oversight mechanism by the Central Government. The self-regulating bodies will be empowered to: issue advisory, warning, censure, admonish or reprimand the broadcaster; or direct the broadcaster to issue an apology; include a warning card or a disclaimer in its content; in case of any content where it is satisfied that there is a need for taking action to delete or modify content, refer it to the Central Government for the consideration of the oversight mechanism for appropriate action. Oversight Mechanism Where the complainant is not satisfied with the decision of the self-regulating body, s/he may prefer an appeal to the Central Government for consideration under the Oversight Mechanism, within 15 days. Where the broadcaster fails to comply with the guidance or advisory of the self-regulating body within the time specified in such guidance or advisory, then the self-regulating body shall refer the matter to the Oversight Mechanism within 15 days of expiry of the stipulated period.