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Panel to formulate regulatory code for broadcasters

Our Bureau

NEW DELHI, Dec. 12

THE Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF) decided to form a committee to formulate a code of programming for broadcasters at its annual general meeting held here today.

The committee will comprise Mr Alex Kuruvilla of MTV, Mr K. Unnikrishnan of Doordarshan, Mr Samir Nair of Star, and Ms Chauli Shah of Zee.

The self-regulatory code will be in line with international programming code followed in the West. Earlier, the Government had mooted a proposal for setting up a media council to monitor content of the electronic media. However, IBF had decided not be pa rt of such a council and decided to formulate its own internal code of conduct.

The broadcasting industry body also decided to set up a second committee to take up the issue of service tax announced in Budget 2001. This committee will have top officials of Star, Zee, Sony, Eenadu, TV Today, Doordarshan and Sahara RV.

IBF sources said representations would first be made to the Information and Broadcasting Minister, Ms Sushma Swaraj, and also to the Finance Minister, Mr Yashwant Sinha.