MIB issues advisory on objectionable ads

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), on January 24, released an advisory saying that as per Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) codes, broadcasters need to carry a scroller in support of self-regulation for grievance against objectionable advertisements.

The advisory mentions, “All programmes and advertisements telecast on TV channels, transmitted/ retransmitted through the cable TV network, are required to adhere to the Programme and Advertising Codes prescribed under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 and rules framed thereunder. Attention of TV channels is invited to Rule 7(9) of the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994 which states that ‘No advertisement which violates the Code for self-regulation in advertising, as adopted by the Advertising Standards Council of lndia (ASCI), Mumbai for public exhibition in lndia, from time to time shall be carried in the cable service’.”

“In order to create mass consumer awareness about the self-regulatory mechanism of ASCI and for immediate and effective steps towards this goal, all TV channels are hereby advised to run a scroller as follows: Objectionable ads? Complain to The Advertising Standards Council of lndia (ASCI) 7710012345 ascionline.org,” it continues.

The advisory has been issued keeping in mind the ASCI Codes, which calls for the following:

1. Honest Representations: Truthful and honest to consumers and competitors.
2. Non-Offensive to Public: Within the bounds of generally accepted standards of public decency and propriety.
3. Against Harmful Products/Situations: Not used indiscriminately for the promotion of products, hazardous or harmful to society or to individuals particularly minors, to a degree unacceptable to society at large.
4. Fair in Competition: Not derogatory to competition. No plagiarism.

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