Based on complaints from viewers, the Broadcasting Content Complaints Council has issued an advisory to TV channels such as Maa TV, Sun TV, Zee TV on the subject of superstitious content. The self regulatory body established by the broadcasters themselves found that TV shows depicting black magic, superstitions, witchcraft and the occult were becoming all too common and therefore issued the guidelines.
The channels have been asked to create more responsible content and have been told that if programming of this nature is required by the story line, the channel must scroll info about disapproving the practice and clarifying it as fiction during the telecast. Also telecasts should be during restrictive viewing hours.
Why the advisory is a good idea
TV shows these days show all manner of content under the guise of mythological stories, historical accounts and folk tales/ traditions. Several of the so called historical and mythological serials do start off with a kernel of truth or accuracy and then veer right off the rails becoming no different from the typical soaps. Look at what they did to the legends of Ashoka and the story of Emperor Akbar and Jodhabai for instance. Very soon the programs bore not even a fleeting resemblance to historical fact.
(Image Source)
Then there are some programs based on pure superstition – Colors TV’s Naagin is about the archetypical Ichchadhari Nagin, a creature who can assume human and snake forms at will. In addition there are some programs that show women in a very demeaning light; branding them witches or evil; using any excuse to feature them in revealing clothing.
It is a fact that the Indian TV viewer demands such programs and that the channels pander to them. However it is also a fact that the Indian TV viewer is not mature enough to sift fact from fiction and that a significant portion of the TV viewing public is gullible enough to swallow anything that they see on TV as gospel truth.
Why the advisory will trigger a free speech debate
The advisory is unfortunately a muzzle on creative or artistic expression (though some of these serials involve precious little artistic merit or even a modicum of originality). It does impinge upon the right to free speech if TV channels’ programming is proscribed to exclude some things and include others.
Earlier as well, the Maharashtra Blind faith Eradication Committee had called for a ban on ghost and horror stories and content pertaining to superstition. In an appeal to the censor board they claimed that such shows reinforce blind faith in society and prevent development of a scientific temper.
We however continue to see a plethora of substandard and poor programming that offends the sensibilities of any right thinking individual. Now if only Indian viewers had the sense to stop watching tripe and demand good shows with originality and quality entertaining content… I suppose we will have to wait a long time for that.
Author: Reena Daruwalla
