MPs demand regulatory control on TV channels

BJP MP Sumitra Mahajan thinks reality shows and fashion shows are 'corrupting public morality'.

Objecting to “indecent” programmes being shown by private television channels, several members in Lok Sabha cutting across party lines today demanded close monitoring of fashion, music and reality shows.

“There is a need for monitoring of such (private) channels…. House cannot be a silent spectator to what is happening in the electronic media,” said BJP member Sumitra Mahajan while initiating a discussion on demand for grants of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry.

Her demand for a code of conduct for private news channels, whom she accused of showing indecent programmes and promoting superstition through their shows, also found support from Congress and CPI-M members.

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Taking a dig at fashion shows broadcast on private television channels, she said “these shows are about displaying clothes, which are hardly seen on the models. And whatever little they wear, slips! What kind of fashion shows are these?”

She also regretted that cricketers were being asked to walk on the ramp because they have been “purchased” by certain business houses. “They walk on the ramp with their heads down,” she said.

Taking exception to the language being used by radio FM channels, she said, there should be some code of conduct on the “mirchi language” which they use.

“We must realise that such programmes are heard by listeners in the rural areas,” she added.