Date:02/07/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/07/02/stories/2008070254691300.htm

National

‘Reckless’ TV channels will face action

Special Correspondent

KOLKATA: The Union Information and Broadcasting Ministry will discuss on Thursday ways of taking “appropriate steps” under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 against private channels which pursue “reckless” means to improve their Television Rating Point (TRP).

Last week’s incident, in which Shinjini Sengupta fell ill after participating in a television reality show here, has sparked a debate on the pressures young participants are subjected to in such events where there is fierce competition. Questions have been raised on how the shows are conducted and on certain comments allegedly made by some of the judges.

“We will do whatever is possible under the existing legislation to prevent a situation where such incidents could recur,” Information and Broadcasting Minister Priyaranjan Dasmunsi told The Hindu over telephone from Malda district.

“A meeting with representatives of the industry will also be convened in the last week of July to discuss the issue.”

West Bengal Governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi has expressed his distress at Ms. Sengupta’s illness. In a letter wishing her speedy recovery, he said: “I am distressed to learn of your illness. Whatever be its cause, I am confident that you will recover and pursue your artistic interests with vigour and without the pressures of artificial competition.”