A series of papers that discusses various aspects of media regulation

By Ammu Joseph

Is it necessary to regulate the broadcast media? Should citizens have a stake in deciding what kind of regulation is most suitable? What is the best model to emulate?

This backgrounder (1) is compiled by Siddharth Narrain (2), with contributions from Rohan Saha and Nikhila Reddy, NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad. And inputs from Ammu Joseph

A detailed examination of the existing legal framework that applies to various broadcast technologies currently in use in India

Compiled by Siddharth Narrain

The judgment in The Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting v Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) articulated the important principle that the broadcasting media should be under the control of the public as distinct from government

Compiled by Siddharth Narrain

Books, paintings, and films have at various times been hauled before the courts for portraying obscenity, and courts have had to rule on how far the right to freedom of speech and expression extends

Compiled by Nikhila Reddy

After the controversy following the 2004 general elections, rules were formed about political advertisements on TV and cable networks

Compiled by Siddharth Narrain

Judgments on two ‘sting operations’ by television channels have clarified when and under what circumstances such operations can be allowed

Compiled by Rohan Saha

An update of the recommendations and consultation papers by the Telecom Regulatory Authority (TRAI) on issues such as private FM radio, ownership of broadcasting activities, provision of IPTV services and headend-in-the-sky and mobile television services

By Anosh Malekar

Boa Senior, the last speaker of a language called Bo -- one of the ten Great Andamanese languages -- died last week in Port Blair. She was aged around 85. With her death, the language that may have constituted the sixth language family in India has become extinct

By Aritra Bhattacharya

Films and videos that chronicle the peaceful resistance of people to powerful industrial and political interests that seek to dispossess them are extremely important at a time when all such dissent is criminalised. But they are often lost in the long list of films that seek to do just the opposite

The proposed Cinematograph Bill 2010 is geared to cracking down on piracy, but does little to protect freedom of expression, leaving the power to define public order, morality, decency and national interest to the executive wing of government at the centre rather than to people’s representatives, says Sarim Naved

Following severe criticism of media handling of the 26/11 terror attacks on Mumbai you’d think media coverage of the recent blast at German Bakery in Pune would be different. But the same kind of speculative and insensitive reporting has been witnessed once again, says Kalpana Sharma

As Indian TV serials finally get away from kitchen politics to tell stories set in real social milieus, Gajra Kottary, writer of the hugely popular Balika Vadhu, points out what it takes to make a serial about a serious social issue like child marriage click with rural and urban audiences

Far from “encouraging” child marriage as some politicians feel, Balika Vadhu is the rare serial that induces audiences to engage intellectually with social conflicts, albeit on an entertainment platform, says Sanjay Ranade

The recent controversy over the TV programme Sach ka Samna has led to renewed calls for regulation of the broadcast media. P N Vasanti who was involved in drawing up self-regulation guidelines for the broadcasting sector for the I&B ministry, explains the content of the guidelines which, she says, could have addressed the current issues. Instead, it has been put into cold storage

Indrajit Gupta comments on two bizarre articles in the press on the Shiny Ahuja rape allegations

The media’s positive reaction to the overturning of Section 377, and the debates it initiated across the public spectrum, gave the LGBT issue a much needed airing and buttressed the enlightened ruling of the Delhi High Court, says Siddharth Narrain

Several studies suggest that viewing violence on screen prompts aggressive behaviour in children. Parental control of TV viewing and responsibility on the part of programmers is urgently required but there is surprisingly little debate or action on this issue, says clinical psychologist Malavika Kapur

By Siddharth Narrain

Does the media – particularly the broadcast media -- need regulation, and if so, of what kind? India TV’s recent rejection of the Broadcasting Standards Disputes Redressal Authority ruling, and the proposal by the home minister of Karnataka of a state-appointed media ombudsman, show just how perilous is the path to regulation

By Darryl D'Monte

Did the media – and indeed all the economic gurus – miss the telltale signs of the impending financial meltdown? The Asia Media Forum in Bangkok recently analysed media in the time of crisis