Click to play videoMumbai: The Information and Broadcasting Ministry is certainly feeling hot under the collar. It has banned action adventure channel AXN after viewing its show The World's Sexiest Advertisements.
It is a decision that has left TV industry watchers agog given that television channels with reality shows and other adult content seem to push the envelope daily, when it comes to grabbing eyeballs.
Says MD Indian Television.com, Thomas Abraham, "What is the reason for the ban? Is it because it's a provocative title? It's a hamhanded way of going about it, because although it says sexiest, it doesn't have to do anything with sex."
Previously too, the I&B Ministry banned the broadcast of films with an A certificate - a move which raised the issue of self-regulation within the industry.
Says Senior VP, Corporate Brand Development, Zee Network, Ashish Kaul,
"Well we already self-regulate. More self-regulation will not harm anyone if it is formulised in the form of a law. It will provide a level playing field with long term benefits."
However, Thomas Abraham disagrees saying, "I don't think self-regulation will help because channels will push the envelope everyday."
It's an ongoing debate, but till then the I& B ministry will continue to play not just big brother, but also big nanny when it comes to what Indian television viewers will watch.
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