BCCC issues two advisories to channels

The Broadcasting Content Complaints Council (BCCC), the self-regulatory body of Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF) for non-newsgeneral entertainment channels, has issued two advisories. One of them relates to portrayal of persons with disabilities, while theother is on depiction and use of national flag, emblem and anthem and map of India for the benefit of television channels.

"The Council has dwelt upon portrayals of persons with disabilities in TV programmes, which sometimes, leads to a caricature. The Council feels that adequate protection is necessary to avoid content which may be distasteful, harmful and offensive to persons with disabilities. The Council believes that humour should not be created through any undesirable depiction of persons with disabilities and no derisive and disparaging reference should be made to their disability," informed an official statement.

Having received complaints regarding portrayal and depiction of persons with disabilities in TV programmes, BCCC has advised all IBF member channels to exercise caution and be sensitive in the portrayal of persons with disabilities, to be conscious of their dignity, and to adopt a mature and responsible tone. At the same time, the council has also advised channels to look at the inclusion and mainstreaming of persons with disabilities in TV programmes.

Following complaints regarding alleged misuse of national flag, national emblem, national anthem and wrong depiction of map of India, the BCCC urged refrain. Quoting The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, and the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Act, 2005, that lays down guidelines for the usage, depiction and portrayal of national flag, national emblem and national anthem, the issued advisory lists, "If any depiction/usage of the above becomes necessary as part of a programme’s storyline, the channel should take necessary precautions so as to abide by the law of the land."