Electronic Media Monitoring Center

Why to make a Complaint

Marital rape, obsessive love, strained relationships, excess domestic discord, extra-marital affairs, mistresses, blackmail, sex determination test, revenge, murder, rebellion, high-pitched emotions, horror, fear, tears, love-making, tangled naked limbs, erogenous zones, sizzling dances, bare skin and passionate kissing: it is all there on your television screen in steamy music videos, film promos, Hollywood and Bollywood films, foreign serials as well as desi family dramas.
Curiously enough, all this is happening in the presence of a law that bars television channels from airing any kind of offensive or adult material that is not suitable for universal viewing. The Cinematographic Act and the Cable Television Network Act give extensive powers to the Censor Board to discipline and take action against erring channels. In a recent decision the Court directed all channels to air only universally certified films, film trailers and music videos.
For any content regulation, a key objective is the avoidance of harm. It is widely accepted (even in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) that certain audience groups, especially minors, should be shielded from material that may be considered inappropriate for or harmful to them. Other common protective rules include those dealing with journalistic accuracy and fairness, the right of reply, privacy rights of those featured in programmes, television violence, and articulation of standards of good taste and decency.
Other objectives for content regulation in India could be in terms of protecting or supporting cultural and minority interests. . However, for news and current affairs programming, the broadcaster is expected to edit the content as well as carry prominent warnings and suitably mask any portions of news or current affairs scenes considered unsuitable for viewing. news and current affairs programming requires that there be a focus on impartiality, accuracy and the prominence given to views and opinions.
Let us take violence for example—today, gory and explicit violence is visible on news channels (mutilated body close-ups, the recreation of crimes) and also in family dramas filled with gratuitous violence. Though it is the responsibility of the Govt to regulate the electronic media but ultimately viewers can play a very significant role in regulating the electronic media by raising their voices which will ultimately benefit of the society and secure our values and ethics .
EMMC has the authority to monitor broadcasters and cable operators with reference to the quality of the content of their programming. If something is bad or of mediocre quality and has scenes that many would find violating ethics of society and guidelines and acts of govt of india, then viewers can complaint to us .

What you should do: Know how the system works

In general, each program on radio or television channels falls under the responsibilities of three parties: the producer, chief editor and the channel owner. It is the duty of ministry of information and broadcasting, govt of India to regulate the broadcasting industry, so that the contnt broadcast over the radio or tv channel confirms to the ethics of the society and the guidelines for content rgulation. Emmc ,gov of India helps govt / ministry in the regulation of content.

When you see or hear bias:

1. Immediately record the biased segment or message. You can do this electronically or simply by taking a few notes. Note the basic 5W's: who, where, what, when, why and how. Write down clear details, and describe in detail what was said or shown and in what context. Make sure you have the correct names of the show, the channel responsible for the segment. Exact time and dates are also important.

2. Write down your objection. For strategic reasons, use a constructive approach. A polite and moderate tone projects an image of reason, firmness and seriousness. Avoid being emotional and using words that suggest insults, threats or overreaction. You must remember that your goal is to get a public apology, prevent further bias and mobilize public support for your viewpoint. An antagonistic and negative approach often makes people more defensive and resistant to suggestions or demands for change.

3. Communicate Directly To Us :- For practical purposes, you may find it more persuasive and effective to send ur complaint to emmc and also to the concerned channel.please remember to keep a copy of your complaint for future reference and records.