| MUMBAI:
Broadcasters have reacted strongly to the move by the government yesterday banning
for two months the telecast of Sony Entertainment's action channel AXN on the
charge that it was telecasting "obscene programmes". The Indian Broadcasting
Foundation (IBF), the representative body for broadcasters in the country, is
planning an urgent meeting to thrash out how to deal with the matter and have
sought an appointment with I&B minister Priyaranjan Dasmunsi on the matter.
Says IBF director finance
Naresh Chahal: "The IBF views this as a very serious issue that may lead
to uncertainty and confusion regarding day-to-day operations of channels. The
IBF board will be meeting very shortly to discuss the matter and we have also
sought an urgent meeting with the information and broadcasting minister to put
forward our point of view." The I&B ministry yesterday issued
directions blocking signals of the channel into India up to 15 March. Sources
told Indiantelevision.com that the ministry had taken objection to the channel
repeatedly telecasting programmes such as World's Sexiest Commercials that "are
against good taste or decency and are likely to adversely affect public morality".
The government has been issuing warnings from time to time to various
channels to desist from telecasting "obscene programmes" and software
not suitable for women and children. The Cable Television Networks
(Regulation) Act 1995 clearly stipulates that the government has the right to
block or take action against channels which violate the broadcasting and advertising
codes of the country. Also Read:
I&B
ministry bans AXN for 'objectionable' content | 
