Indiantelevision.com Team

(25 March 2009 11:25 pm)

MUMBAI: In a move that will help sponsors of sporting and other major events, the Government has said that a product that uses a brand name or logo which is also used for tobacco or liquor products can be shown on television as long as the visual only depicts the product without any direct or indirect reference to the prohibited products.

Interestingly, the notification amending the Cable TV Networks (Regulation) Rules 1994 was issued just prior to the Model Code of Conduct came into force.

The notification also said the product advertisement of brand name used for cigarettes, tobacco products, wine, alcohol, or other intoxicants should not contain any nuances or phrases promoting prohibited products and not use particular colours and layout or presentations associated with prohibited products.

It has been further stipulated in the notification signed by Information and Broadcasting Ministry’s Joint Secretary (Broadcasting) Zohra Chatterji that the advertisement must not use situations typical for promotion of prohibited products.

The notification also said all such advertisements will be certified by the Central Board for Film Certification.