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BCCC issues advisories on TV content on minorities, acid attacks

BCCC wants broadcasters to be sensitised against showing acid attacks to mitigate the overwhelming implications of such depiction. On the minority issue, it says channels must rely upon their discretion while depicting any content that leads to the stereotyping of minorities

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BCCC issues advisories on TV content on minorities, acid attacks

BCCC wants broadcasters to be sensitised against showing acid attacks to mitigate the overwhelming implications of such depiction. On the minority issue, it says channels must rely upon their discretion while depicting any content that leads to the stereotyping of minorities  

BestMediaInfo Bureau | Delhi | August 16, 2013

publive-imageThe Broadcasting Content Complaints Council (BCCC) has issued two advisories. One addresses issues and complaints regarding portrayal of content sensitive to the minorities in various TV programmes, while the other pertains to content involving acid attacks.

The first advisory says that while BCCC wishes to avoid being a pre-censoring agency or intrude upon the freedom of media, the council feels that TV channels must rely upon their discretion while depicting any content that leads to the stereotyping of minorities.

Channels should approach content of sensitivity to the minorities with caution and, when necessary, ensure that any such depiction is preceded by a declaration that it is a work of fiction and bears no resemblance to any community, caste or creed. Due diligence should be adopted to ensure that an entire community is not projected as fanatic, intolerant or criminal.

The objective is to create an atmosphere congenial to communal harmony, peace and amity without telecasting content that hurts the sentiments of communities and religious groups.

Regarding acid attacks, BCCC says it has received several complaints relating to content that depicts acid attacks in TV programmes. In almost all cases, the targets are women and girls. The council considers acid attacks to be among the most heinous of crimes with traumatic, irreversible physical and psychological consequences to the victim. The council, therefore, advises all channels to be extremely sensitive to the excruciating physical and psychological agony of acid attack victims.

The Supreme Court has taken cognisance, the advisory points out, of the growing number of acid attacks in India and directed the state to frame and implement most stringent rules to regulate the sale of acid and other corrosive substances.

BCCC believes it is time broadcasters were also sensitised against showing acid attacks. The issue needs immediate attention so that all TV channels effectively mitigate the overwhelming implications of any such depiction.

This is even more pertinent for various crime-based programmes since these shows often depict an acid attack case in some detail through dramatised version of a real incident.

Info@BestMediaInfo.com

Info@BestMediaInfo.com

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