GECs
BCCC issues two advisories for TV channels
MUMBAI: A fortnight back, Indiantelevision.com had written that the Broadcasting Content Complaints Council (BCCC), a complaint redressal arm of the Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF), was going to come out with two more advisories for the broadcasting fraternity.
The 13 member board, headed by Justice (Retd) Mukul Mudgal, at its 33rd meeting, has approved the issuance of the two advisories for the benefit of television channels.
The two advisories are:
1. Advisory on Portrayal of Persons with Disabilities in TV Programmes;
2. Advisory on Depiction and Use of National Flag, National Emblem, National Anthem and Map of India in TV Programmes.
For the first advisory on portrayal of persons with disabilities, the BCCC which had received several complaints earlier feels that adequate protection is necessary to avoid content which may be distasteful, harmful and offensive to persons with disabilities.
The Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995, lays down the law to safeguard the rights and facilities of persons with disabilities. “And keeping this in mind, the Council believes that humour should not be created through any undesirable depiction of persons with disabilities and no derisive and disparaging reference should be made to their disability,” said the BCCC through a statement.
The Council has advised all IBF member channels to exercise caution and be sensitive in the portrayal of persons with disabilities, to be conscious of their dignity, and to adopt a mature and responsible tone. At the same time, the Council has also advised the channels to look at the inclusion and mainstreaming of persons with disabilities in TV programmes.
As for the depiction and use of National Flag, National Emblem, National Anthem and Map of India, the BCCC has advised all its IBF member channels to refrain from airing any content that may amount to misuse or wrong depiction of all of these.
The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, and the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Act, 2005, lay down guidelines for the usage, depiction and portrayal of National Flag, National Emblem and National Anthem. “And hence, if any depiction/usage of the above becomes necessary as part of a programmes storyline, the channel should take necessary precautions so as to abide by the law of the land,” said the advisory.
The advisories come into effective immediately as all channels have been informed.
On what will be the penalty, if channels, failed to follow the new guidelines BCCC secretary general Ashish Sinha told indiantelevision.com, “The gravity of it will depend on the kind of violation. As per our guidelines everything is graded. However, this time around it can even go beyond us as if not followed, the channels will be breaking the law of the land because they will be disobeying the laws laid by the Parliament.”
GECs
Asianet Television Awards 2026 celebrates women power in Malayalam TV
“She is the Colour” theme honours icons as ceremony airs on March 14 and 15 at 7 PM.
MUMBAI: If television lights up living rooms, this year Asianet decided to let women provide the colour. The Asianet Television Awards 2026 turned the spotlight firmly on women empowerment with the theme “She is the Colour”, celebrating the strength, resilience and achievements of women who continue to shape society and the Malayalam entertainment industry.
The ceremony honoured several distinguished personalities whose journeys have left a lasting cultural imprint. Among them was legendary playback singer Vimala Varma, widely recognised as the first Malayalam playback singer. The evening also paid tribute to Padma Shri awardees Devaki Amma and Vimala Menon for their exceptional contributions in their respective fields.
Leading women from the Malayalam film industry were also recognised during the event, including actor Shweta Menon, who currently serves as president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists, and National Award winning actor Surabhi Lakshmi.
The awards ceremony brought together a glittering lineup of actors and industry figures, including Jayasurya, Vijay Babu, Asha Sarath, Lena, Esther Anil, Anumol, Akhila Bhargavan, Sarayu Mohan, Prajod Kalabhavan, Gayathri Suresh, Sabumon Abdusamad, Swasika, Tini Tom, Sijoy Varghese, Kailash, Veena Nandakumar, Sabareesh Varma, Ansiba Hassan and Dinesh Prabhakar. Kishan Kumar, executive vice president Malayalam at JioStar, was also present at the event.
Beyond individual recognitions, the awards celebrated excellence across Malayalam television, acknowledging artists and technicians whose work continues to drive the industry forward.
The evening also offered plenty of spectacle, with elaborate dance performances, stunt acts and comedy skits performed by popular television and film personalities, turning the ceremony into a full fledged entertainment showcase.
Viewers will get to watch the celebrations when the Asianet Television Awards 2026 air on Asianet on March 14 and 15, Saturday and Sunday, from 7 pm onwards, bringing the star studded tribute to homes across Kerala and beyond.
