2024 Grade 11 Media Regulatory Bodies PDF

Lilavatibai Podar High School, ISC Academic Year 2024-2025 Subject: Mass Media & Communication Grade: 11 Topic: Unit 6 - Media Regulatory Bodies Sr. Particulars...

Lilavatibai Podar High School, ISC Academic Year 2024-2025 Subject: Mass Media & Communication Grade: 11 Topic: Unit 6 - Media Regulatory Bodies Sr. Particulars 6.1 TRAI 6.2 PCI 6.3 CBFC 6.4 ASCI 6.5 NBSA INTRODUCTION In India, various regulatory bodies oversee the functioning of media sectors to ensure that the content disseminated through print, electronic, and digital media adheres to legal, ethical, and societal norms. These organizations protect public interests while allowing media outlets to operate independently and freely, supporting the balance between freedom of speech and social responsibility. 1. TELECOM REGULATORY AUTHORITY OF INDIA (TRAI) Role and Functions: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) was set up in 1997 to regulate the telecom services industry. It is responsible for ensuring that telecom operators maintain fairness in pricing, service quality, and competition. TRAI also has quasi-judicial functions where it adjudicates disputes and enforces compliance in the telecommunications sector. Regulating Telecommunication Services: TRAI is responsible for formulating regulations, guidelines, and policies to ensure the growth and development of the telecom sector. This includes issues related to licensing, tariffs, quality of service, and technological advancements. Adjudicating Disputes: TRAI acts as an adjudicating body to resolve disputes among telecom service providers, ensuring fair competition and adherence to  regulatory norms. It strives to create a level playing field for all players in the industry. Handling Appeals: TRAI is empowered to handle appeals lodged by stakeholders within the telecom sector. This involves addressing grievances and concerns raised by service providers, consumers, or other entities related to telecom services. Protecting Interests of Service Providers and Consumers: TRAI aims to safeguard the interests of both service providers and consumers. It sets standards for service quality, monitors compliance, and ensures that consumers receive reliable and affordable telecom services. Simultaneously, it also creates an environment conducive to the growth and sustainability of telecom companies. Overall, TRAI plays a crucial role in ensuring the orderly growth of the telecom industry, promoting fair competition, protecting consumer interests, and maintaining a healthy regulatory environment for all stakeholders involved in the sector. 2. PRESS COUNCIL OF INDIA (PCI) Role and Functions: The Press Council of India (PCI) was established under the Press Council Act of 1978, aiming to preserve the freedom of the press and enhance its standards. It acts as a self-regulatory body for the print media and monitors the conduct of journalists and publications. Maintaining Independence of Newspapers: PCI aims to safeguard the freedom of the press and maintain the independence of newspapers from external influences, including political or commercial pressures. It endeavors to uphold the editorial autonomy of newspapers. Developing a Code of Conduct: The Council formulates and enforces a code of conduct for newspapers and journalists. This code outlines ethical standards, professional norms, and guidelines to ensure responsible and unbiased journalism. Guidelines for Training: PCI promotes professional development by establishing guidelines for training programs aimed at improving the skills and ethical  standards of journalists. This includes initiatives to enhance journalistic practices, integrity, and accountability. Guidelines for Spreading News: It sets guidelines for the dissemination of news, emphasizing accuracy, fairness, and responsible reporting. These guidelines help in maintaining journalistic ethics while spreading information to the public. Reviewing Newspaper Production: The PCI reviews newspaper production processes to ensure adherence to professional and ethical standards. It may investigate complaints related to journalistic malpractice or violation of the code of conduct. Maintaining Quality: PCI works towards maintaining the quality of journalism by encouraging best practices, ethical reporting, and responsible coverage of news and events. Overall, the Press Council of India plays a pivotal role in upholding the freedom and independence of the press while simultaneously ensuring that newspapers and journalists adhere to ethical standards and guidelines, thereby contributing to responsible and quality journalism in the country. 3. CENTRAL BOARD OF FILM CERTIFICATION (CBFC) Role and Functions: The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), also known as the Censor Board, is responsible for regulating films produced in India and imported for public exhibition. The CBFC operates under the Cinematograph Act of 1952, and its primary responsibility is to classify films based on their suitability for different audiences. U (Universal): Films suitable for unrestricted public exhibition, suitable for all age groups. A (Adult): Films meant for adult audiences, restricted to viewers above 18 years old. UA (Parental Guidance): Films classified as UA require parental guidance for viewers below the age of 12. S (Special): This category is used for films that require a special mention or consideration. The key functions include: 1. Ensuring Compliance with Cinematograph Act: CBFC operates under the Cinematograph Act of 1952 and guidelines framed under it. It ensures that films comply with the provisions of this act, considering factors like obscenity, morality, decency, and public order. 2. Preserving Cultural Sensitivity: CBFC is responsible for preserving the cultural and social sensitivity of the diverse population in India. It aims to maintain harmony and prevent any content that might provoke disharmony among different communities. 3. Advisory Role: Apart from certification, CBFC may also provide advisory notes or suggestions to filmmakers regarding modifications required for a specific certification. 4. Handling Disputes and Appeals: In case of disputes or disagreements regarding certification, filmmakers have the option to appeal to higher authorities or tribunals for a reconsideration of the decision made by the CBFC. Overall, the Central Board of Film Certification plays a significant role in regulating the content and ensuring that films released for public viewing adhere to certain standards, allowing audiences to make informed decisions based on the certification provided by the board. 4. ADVERTISING STANDARDS COUNCIL OF INDIA (ASCI) Role and Functions: The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) was established in 1985 as a voluntary, self-regulatory organization to maintain and promote ethical standards in advertising. It protects consumers from misleading, deceptive, or harmful advertisements. Self-Regulation in Advertising: ASCI focuses on self-regulation within the advertising industry. It establishes codes and guidelines that advertisers voluntarily adhere to, promoting responsible and ethical advertising practices. Protection of Consumer Interests: ASCI works toward protecting consumer interests by monitoring advertisements to ensure they are truthful, not  misleading, and do not make false claims. It scrutinizes advertisements to ensure they meet the standards set by the ASCI code. Promotion of Responsible Advertising: The council promotes responsible advertising practices by encouraging advertisers to follow ethical norms, avoid offensive content, and refrain from making unsubstantiated or misleading claims. Enhancing Public Confidence in Advertising: ASCI aims to build and maintain public confidence in advertising by ensuring that advertisements are truthful, transparent, and meet the ethical standards set by the council. This fosters trust between consumers and advertisers. Consumer Complaints Council (CCC) - ASCI Role and Functions: The Consumer Complaints Council (CCC) is a critical body within ASCI, responsible for addressing complaints from consumers regarding advertisements. The CCC ensures swift and impartial action against advertisers violating the ASCI code of ethics. Receives and addresses complaints: Consumers can file complaints regarding misleading, offensive, or harmful advertisements. The CCC ensures these complaints are heard, reviewed, and adjudicated within a specified time frame. Investigates advertisements: The CCC conducts thorough investigations to determine if an advertisement violates any ethical guidelines, including making false claims or promoting harmful products or services. Adjudicates on complaints: Based on the findings of the investigation, the CCC makes rulings. If the complaint is found valid, the advertiser is required to amend or withdraw the offending advertisement. Monitors compliance: The CCC ensures that the decisions made are implemented by the advertiser. Non-compliance can result in public reprimands or the removal of the advertisement from circulation. The CCC serves as a consumer protection mechanism within the advertising industry, upholding the standards of truthful and responsible advertising. Overall, ASCI serves as a regulatory body that promotes responsible advertising practices, protects consumer interests, and maintains ethical standards within the advertising industry through self-regulation and the adjudication of complaints received from consumers and stakeholders. 5. NEWS BROADCASTING STANDARDS AUTHORITY OF INDIA (NBSA) Role and Functions: The News Broadcasting Standards Authority (NBSA) is an independent body established by the News Broadcasters Association (NBA) to regulate the conduct of television news channels in India. The NBSA promotes responsible news broadcasting and ensures that television news content adheres to professional and ethical standards. Ensuring Impartiality, Objectivity, and Neutrality: NBSA oversees news broadcasting to ensure that reporting is impartial, objective, and neutral without bias or influence from vested interests. It aims to maintain journalistic integrity and accuracy in reporting. Handling Sensitive Issues with Discretion: The authority emphasizes discretion, especially concerning sensitive issues like crimes against women and children. It aims to prevent sensationalism while covering such topics and ensures that reporting is done with sensitivity and responsibility. Protecting Privacy and National Security: NBSA works to ensure that news broadcasts respect individual privacy rights and do not compromise national security in their reporting. It sets guidelines to prevent the dissemination of information that may endanger national security interests. Preventing Glorification of Violence and Crime: NBSA discourages the glorification of violence and crime in news broadcasts. It aims to prevent the presentation of such content in a sensationalized or inappropriate manner that might incite or encourage similar behavior. Prevents Encouragement of Superstition, Occultism, Sex, and Nudity: The authority sets standards to prevent news broadcasts from encouraging superstition, occultism, showcasing explicit sex, or nudity. It ensures that content aligns with ethical norms and does not promote inappropriate or harmful content. Overall, the News Broadcasting Standards Authority plays a crucial role in upholding ethical standards in news broadcasting, ensuring responsible journalism, and preventing the dissemination of content that may be harmful, biased, or against societal norms and values.