Consumers should file complaints if they feel channel content violates broadcasting code. Irani

Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Smriti Irani today said action will be taken against any TV channel if there is complaint from consumers that it has violated the broadcasting code of conduct .
There is a self-regulatory mechanism in electronic media, like the Broadcast Editors Association, which ensures that every private channel in the country has to go by certain code, Irani said at a session of FICCI Ladies' Organisation here.
"First, register your complaint with the Association about any content which you do not like and the industry has the capacity to listen to your views and there had been instances of action taken by the association against certain channels," she said.

She added that consumers should feel empowered enough to go the extra mile registering their complaints against content they feel are not good enough.
"There is a broadcasting code every channel of this country has to go by. If you find any channel having violated that code, draw attention of the ministry and action will be taken," she said, while adding the ministry does not decide content of the channel programmes.
"If we act on our own, it will be infringing in their domain," she said.

Asked about the lack of education content in children's entertainment programmes in the electronic media, Irani said in Prasar Bharati "we have to ensure in TV and films we support new scripts".

She admitted that children's films are a much ignored segment and there is a need to take competitive technology to make it more interesting.
On the BJP gaining strength in West Bengal's politics, Irani said the party has increased its seats in panchayats and even in urban bodies and will continue to do well.