Channels can’t air condom ads between 6am and 10pm: Govt

NEW DELHI: The government has ordered television channels not to air condom advertisements before 10pm and after 6am, a decision prompted by complaints of explicit content in such ads.

The information and broadcasting ministry said such ads should be slotted for late night to prevent exposing children to “indecent and inappropriate” content. The ministry warned any channel found flouting the order will face action in accordance with provisions in the cable television networks rules.

In an advisory issued on Monday to the News Broadcasters Association (NBA) and the Indian Broadcasting Foundation, the ministry said its attention has been drawn to channels carrying ads of condoms “repeatedly, which are alleged to be indecent, especially for children”.

HT reported last week that the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) had asked the ministry to come up with guidelines for television channels on broadcasting advertisements of contraceptives with adult content. The council is a self-regulatory voluntary organisation that keeps tabs on advertisement content.

The ministry’s order follows the council’s representation as well as complaints from the National Commission of Women and consumers forums.

The ministry invoked Rule 7(7) of the cable TV rules that says “advertisement which endangers the safety of children or create in them any interest in unhealthy practices or shows them begging or in an undignified or indecent manner shall not be carried in the cable service”.

It also referred to Rule 7(8), which states that “indecent, vulgar, suggestive, repulsive or offensive themes or treatment shall be avoided in all advertisements”.