IBF’s ambitious guidelines ready for satellite channels

What has caught the Government’s attention is what the code has to say on films, particularly on sex and nudity: ‘‘A’’ certified films (by the Central Board of Film Certification) should be scheduled after midnight. This watershed time should be strictly adhered to and applied irrespective of whether the material is justifiable or otherwise.

The code goes on to add that representation of sexual intercourse should not occur before the watershed unless there is a serious educational purpose. Strictly adult sex or nude scenes, especially the ones which are more graphic and are of prolonged nature, should be limited to a time much later than the watershed time.

On sexual violence, the code says scenes should have a clear and legitimate editorial purpose and must not be gratuitous. The code is exhaustive in detailing the manner in which news should be reported.

Under the head ‘‘Reporting Sufferings’’, the code says the aftermath of tragic events calls for considerable sensitivity by broadcasters. Scheduling changes may be required to ensure that nothing that might cause widespread offence is broadcast inadvertently.

Close-ups of faces or serious injuries should be used sparingly. Avoid using violent material just because it is available. Still photographs can sometimes convey the horrific reality of a situation without shocking to the same degree as moving pictures.

Under the title ‘‘Reporting in Times of National Emergency and Military Action’’, the code says in times of emergency or when military action is underway, journalism may be constrained by questions of national security. Matters involving risk to and loss of lives need to be handled with care, keeping in mind their sensitivity to the national mood and feeling.

About 35 pages have been devoted to news and the handling of it. The IBF will consider complaints or matters covered by the general broadcast standards. Complaints relating to unjust or unfair treatment or infringement of privacy are to be referred to the body. The code says all comments or complaints should include the following — name of the broadcaster and the television channel; city and area the programme has been viewed in, specifics about the matter; nature of the problem along with a recording of the programme if possible.

The code is a result of a series of meetings of the sub-committee for content regulation represented by Cyrus Oshidar, vice-president and creative director of MTV, Sameer Nair, COO of Star, Sudarshan Juyal of Sahara TV, Ravi Nair of B4U, Soumitra Saha of Turner International and Charu Singh of SABe TV and officials of DD. The code is signed by executive director of the IBF Bhuvan Lall.