National

Content Code for TV channels soon: Dasmunsi

NEW DELHI: Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Priyaranjan Dasmunsi on Monday informed the Lok Sabha that a Content Code — acceptable to all television channels — would be in place without much delay.

Responding to concerns raised by various members about content on television during a discussion on the Prasar Bharati (Broadcasting Corporation of India) Amendment Bill, 2008, the Minister said the code was almost ready.

Replying to the discussion before the Bill was passed by the Lok Sabha, Mr. Dasmunsi sought to address the criticism from across the floor for promulgating an ordinance — which the Bill seeks to replace — to reduce the term of the Prasar Bharati Chairman and set an upper age limit for the post.

The Minister said the exercise was aimed at sending a message to the Commonwealth Games Federation that the public broadcaster was gearing itself up for the Commonwealth Youth Games in Pune — scheduled for August 2008 — and the Commonwealth Games in 2010.

As the Games approach, he said there would be a need for the Prasar Bharati Board to meet frequently to take decisions and it would require young blood.

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