News Broadcasting
BBC to try out guidance labelling for media player
MUMBAI: With only a few weeks to go before the BBC introduces the second pilot phase of its podcasting initiative the integrated Media Player (iMP) in the UK the pubcaster has announced that, as part of the pilot, it is to trial a new labelling system for on-demand content available online.
The BBC states that this innovation is based on the realisation that in a world of time-shifted programming, when viewers can watch programmes any time of the day or night, such challenging content can no longer be signalled by the traditional 9 pm watershed.
The system signals challenging content – such as strong language, scenes of a sexual nature or violence – by placing a ‘G’ next to a programme title in the iMP’s electronic programming guide (EPG). The iMP allows people to download any TV programme within seven days of transmission
By clicking on the G users can then call up more details which explain the reason for the label. It is designed to provide adults and parents with sufficient details about a programme to make an informed choice on whether or not to watch or listen to it.
In the case of the iMP pilot, participants will have the option of password protecting G-labelled content to prevent younger viewers from downloading unsuitable programmes.
BBC Editorial Policy advisor Rachel Hermer, says, “The G label is based on research that told us people wanted a simple, easy-to-use, but information-rich, system that enabled them to make informed choices about what they watch. It offers peace of mind to those members of our audience – particularly parents – who are concerned with what children watch, without losing the freedom offered by the on-demand environment. We’ll be using the trial to see if we have struck the right balance.”
The BBC has undertaken two extensive pieces of research into the subject, looking at both the sorts of information audiences wanted about challenging content (such as text, age ratings or symbols) and where in an EPG the text would be best placed.
The BBC is hoping that broadcasters and operators involved in the development of on-demand programming and systems will be interested in the labelling proposal. It has promised to share its findings of the trial with the rest of the industry.
News Broadcasting
WITT Summit 2026 concludes in New Delhi
Babar Azam’s comical diving attempt goes viral as league introduces anti-dew measures.
MUMBAI: The WITT Summit just wrapped up with enough big ideas to fill a policy playbook because when India’s leaders, thinkers and icons gather under one roof, even the conversations hit sixes. The eighth edition of TV9 Network’s flagship What India Thinks Today (WITT) Summit 2026 concluded on Saturday after two days of dynamic discussions at its New Delhi venue. India’s largest multi-domain public policy and culture summit brought together political leaders, policymakers, sports icons, artists and technology innovators to examine the forces shaping contemporary India and its global standing.
Prime minister Narendra Modi delivered the keynote address on the theme “India and the World” for the third consecutive year. In a wide-ranging speech, he addressed the ongoing conflict in West Asia, calling for restraint and compassion while highlighting India’s continued development trajectory despite global turmoil.
The summit featured candid conversations with state leaders. Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy articulated a people-first governance model and contrasted it with other development approaches. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav declared that Left-wing extremism had been effectively eliminated in his state and highlighted preparations for the upcoming Kumbh Mela. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann defended his government’s record, citing the closure of 19 toll plazas and creation of the Sadak Suraksha Force. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar expressed confidence in Congress prospects in Assam and addressed recent allegations against him.
On geopolitics and national security, Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia outlined India’s ambition to become a builder of trusted digital infrastructure for the world, citing the rapid 5G rollout and village-level 4G connectivity.
Cricket received significant attention. Former India captain Sourav Ganguly praised player freedom and trust as hallmarks of great leadership and named MS Dhoni as the greatest captain due to his World Cup successes. India women’s team bowling coach Aavishkar Salvi credited the BCCI and Women’s Premier League for building a pipeline of world-class talent behind the team’s recent ODI World Cup triumph.
The summit also hosted the inaugural AI² Awards 2026, celebrating the convergence of human creativity and machine intelligence in storytelling and content creation. Poet and kathavachak Kumar Vishwas delivered a nuanced take on India’s concept of Dharma and criticised the recent arrest of an 80-year-old Shankaracharya. Veteran lyricist Sameer Anjaan and storyteller Neelesh Misra reflected on changing music trends and artistic responsibility in the wake of a recent controversy involving Nora Fatehi.
In a country where conversations often run as deep as the Ganges, the WITT Summit proved once again that when leaders, thinkers and storytellers come together, the real winner is public discourse lively, layered and refreshingly unafraid to tackle the big questions shaping India’s tomorrow.
