The move to bar children below the age of 16 from participating in reality shows could bring down the curtains on many programmes that garner high TV ratings.

Programmes that are expected to take the hit include the popular dance contest on Sony ‘Boogie Woogie’, Zee’s popular annual singing talent show ‘Lil Champions Sa Re Ga Ma Pa’, Star’s ‘Voice of India Chote Ustaad’ which might be aired again and a bevy of similar programmes on regional channels like ETV Bangla’s ‘Dhoom Mache De’.
 

Sony Entertainment Television Rohit Gupta president said: “We have togo through the mandate in detail and if need be, alter the format. We already cater to other groups in the show.”

Naved Jaffery, one of the brains behind ‘Boogie Woogie’, said, “The aim of our show is to bring out talent among children. We have people from the age group of 6 to 60 participating. Schools and studies are more stressful for kids these days. This has no logic.” ‘Boogie Woogie’ has been on air for over 10 years on Sony Entertainment Television.

Zee TV programming head Ajay Balwankar Pointed out: “We use kids to nurture their talent under strict guidelines and under parents’ supervision. There is no violation of child rights. However, if some norms on age are introduced, we will take up the matter with Information and Broadcasting Ministry and oppose such a move.”

Many fear that children viewership would come down due to the latest move. “Children will have no interest in watching family shows and this will bring viewership down,” said Jamnadas Magethia, promoter of Hats Off Productions, which makes programmes like ‘Ba Bahu and Baby’, a family serial.

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) said on Wednesday it would prescribe the minimum age limit for participants to be over 16 years for reality shows, but added that it could be brought down to 12 years for group competitive shows. The recommendations would be forwarded to the ministry concerned.

The NCPCR has also suggested that cash awards to children should be avoided, while punitive action should be taken against broadcasters if children are subjected to any mental torture.

New Ipad Application :Business Standard's all new IPad App Click here to download for free Other Stories      - Wall Street opens flat as data offsets Moody's warning - Thomas Cook India Q4 net jumps three times - Govt plans to make 30% sourcing from MSEs mandatory - Explain ways to cover govt loss on 3G roaming: TDSAT to telcos - Magma Fincorp plans to start gold finance biz in H1 of FY13

Read Business news in  Advertisements -  Now property search gets more exciting than ever before! -  High Growth Business Opportunities in Africa - Register to explore -  Medium-sized businesses are the engines of a smarter planet. -  We live for our family. have you secured them? -  Office 365 for professionals and small businesses. -  Earn fuel worth Rs.2400 with Citi -  India's No. 1 Property Site. Click here to know more.. -  Diseases earlier, Saving Costs, Extending Lives. Know More.. -  Get 5% cashback on telephone bills with Citi -  Enjoy the journey as much as the destination. click to know more.. -  Exim Bank Conclave on India - Africa Project Partnership. Know more.. -  Be part of it The World's Largest Aircraft. -  Creating Wealth made simple the SIP way. Know more.. -  Only Developer to give a guarantee on time space & rate. -  Buy Your Property with Our Triple Guarantee in India. -  Improve Patient Care & Experience. Click here to know more -  Win a Business Class Ticket to Europe..Know more.. -   Introduce a New Automotive Luxury Car.. know more -  Health is Wealth..... Insurance + Savings... Know More...