Regulatory Clamps: Holding TV Ads Accountable

An Inter-Departmental Committee hears complaints about violations of the programme and advertising code by private TV channels, enforcing compliance through warnings or penalties as necessary, under supervision of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry.

The central government has set up an Inter-Departmental Committee (IDC) to address complaints related to programme and advertising code violations by private TV channels, as reported in the Lok Sabha.

Union Minister L Murugan highlighted the regulatory framework that mandates all adverts aired on private satellite TV must follow the Advertising Code under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995.

When contraventions are found, actions like advisories, warnings, apology scrolls, or off-air orders are implemented by the Ministry. The I&B Ministry periodically issues notices to ensure adherence to the Advertising Code.