Sarkar as censor
The proposed Cinematograph Bill 2010 is geared to cracking down on piracy, but does little to protect freedom of expression, leaving the power to define public order, morality, decency and national interest to the executive wing of government at the centre rather than to people’s representatives, says Sarim Naved
Confused coverage, damaged credibility
Following severe criticism of media handling of the 26/11 terror attacks on Mumbai you’d think media coverage of the recent blast at German Bakery in Pune would be different. But the same kind of speculative and insensitive reporting has been witnessed once again, says Kalpana Sharma
Entertainment + education: Why Balika Vadhu worked
As Indian TV serials finally get away from kitchen politics to tell stories set in real social milieus, Gajra Kottary, writer of the hugely popular Balika Vadhu, points out what it takes to make a serial about a serious social issue like child marriage click with rural and urban audiences
Balika Vadhu: Showcasing reality through drama and text
Far from “encouraging” child marriage as some politicians feel, Balika Vadhu is the rare serial that induces audiences to engage intellectually with social conflicts, albeit on an entertainment platform, says Sanjay Ranade
Content regulation initiatives in India
The recent controversy over the TV programme Sach ka Samna has led to renewed calls for regulation of the broadcast media. P N Vasanti who was involved in drawing up self-regulation guidelines for the broadcasting sector for the I&B ministry, explains the content of the guidelines which, she says, could have addressed the current issues. Instead, it has been put into cold storage
Maid in the media
Indrajit Gupta comments on two bizarre articles in the press on the Shiny Ahuja rape allegations
How the media helped 'out' LGBT issues
The media’s positive reaction to the overturning of Section 377, and the debates it initiated across the public spectrum, gave the LGBT issue a much needed airing and buttressed the enlightened ruling of the Delhi High Court, says Siddharth Narrain
Through a child's eyes
Several studies suggest that viewing violence on screen prompts aggressive behaviour in children. Parental control of TV viewing and responsibility on the part of programmers is urgently required but there is surprisingly little debate or action on this issue, says clinical psychologist Malavika Kapur
The tricky road to media regulation
Does the media – particularly the broadcast media -- need regulation, and if so, of what kind? India TV’s recent rejection of the Broadcasting Standards Disputes Redressal Authority ruling, and the proposal by the home minister of Karnataka of a state-appointed media ombudsman, show just how perilous is the path to regulation
Media in the time of crises
Did the media – and indeed all the economic gurus – miss the telltale signs of the impending financial meltdown? The Asia Media Forum in Bangkok recently analysed media in the time of crisis