I and B task force working on consensus for code content for TV

In her written reply to a question, I&B Minister Ambika Soni today said the task force was looking at the recommendations of the committee for reviewing programme and advertising codes that included self-regulation guidelines.

The development comes after the government issued directives to Imagine TV and Colours TV channels to air reality shows 'Rakhi ka insaaf' and 'Bigg Boss' after 11 pm.

Asked if there was any proposal for the government to regulate the broadcast of reality shows, the Minister replied in the negative but added that action was taken whenever there was a violation of programme and advertising codes.

Soni said government does not propose to allot TV operators broadcast licences through auction and pointed out that permission was granted to companies as per uplinking and downlinking guidelines, 2005.

She said operational status of 40 channels has not been received despite the notices given to this effect asking them to indicate immediately their operational status, failing which action would follow.