NEW DELHI: In a move that is bound to raise hackles of the television and ad fraternity, the government Thursday decided to broaden the scope of Indecent Representation of Women (Prohibition) Act, 1986 to cover satellite broadcasters and internet medium.

The amendment approved by the government seeks to ensure that more effective protection is provided against indecent representation of women by covering newer forms of communication including internet, multimedia messaging beyond the print and audio-visual media.

This, the government feels, will aid in addressing the problem of increased objectification of women, thereby ensuring dignity of women.

"The existing Act covers print media in its present form however over the year‘s technological revolution has resulted in the development of newer forms of mediums such as internet and satellite based communication, multi-media messaging, and cable television among others," the government said.

"It has, therefore, become imperative to widen the scope of the law so as to cover such forms of media, on one hand, and to strengthen the existing safeguards to prevent indecent representation of women through any such form," it added.

According to the amended act, penalties are to be enhanced to a maximum of three years of imprisonment and fine of between Rs 50,000 to Rs 100,000 for first conviction, and imprisonment of not less than two years, but which may extend to seven years, and a fine between Rs 100,000 to Rs 500,000 for second conviction.

Police officers of the rank of inspectors will be authorized to carry out search and seizure, in addition to state and central government officers authorized by the respective government.

The IRWA Act focuses on indecent representation of women and brings under its ambit references that are derogatory to the dignity of women. The IRWA 1986 was enacted with the specific objective of prohibiting the indecent representation of women through advertisement, publication, writing, and painting or in any other manner.

MUMBAI: Tamil Nadu-based New Generation Media has elevated its director operations RBU Shyam Kumar to the post of Group CEO. Kumar assumed charge last week.

The main focus of Kumar?s responsibilities as CEO will be to expand the reach of the group?s flagship news channel Puthiya Thalamurai over the state. He will report to group president RP Sathyanarayanan.

Kumar will also be responsible for the launch of the group?s new channels - a Tamil GEC and an English news channel in 2013.

Talking to indiantelevision.com, Kumar said, "Our Tamil news channel Puthiya Thalamurai which launched in August last year is doing very well in the state. The goal will be to make sure that the channel increases its reach in the regions of Chennai where it is lagging a tad."

Kumar started his career is 1995 with Times of India where he worked for 14 years. He held the post of city sales head at the publication when he quit. He joined New Generation Media in 2009 as director - operations.

MUMBAI: Sony Pictures Television will join PricewaterhouseCoopers at the television trade event Mipcom 2012 to discuss the future of media, entertainment and broadcasting.

PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) global leader entertainment, media practice Marcel Fenez will present the annual PwC Global Entertainment & Media Outlook at Mipcom on 8 October, outlining forecasts in the media and leisure industries. This industry report will be followed by interviews conducted by Fenez with Sony Pictures Television president of International Production and Sony Pictures Entertainment president of international Andrea Wong.

In her Mipcom keynote interview, Wong will discuss the PwC Outlook findings and how they are reflected in the production activity that SPT International Production undertakes around the world, as well as international production and commissioning trends.

Wong heads the studio?s international television production business, overseeing the creative teams outside the US as well as the 18 owned and joint venture international production companies around the world.

Organised by Reed Midem, Mipcom will take place in Cannes, France from 8-11 October.