Pakistan TV will be banned, says Naqvi

This is likely to give immense discretionary powers to the Government in that any network can be hauled up in court for violating the “national culture” which again can be interpreted very broadly.

Analysts say the existing Act itself covers practically all these aspects in its programming codes. For instance, Para 6 (e) says no programme should be carried on the cable service which encourages or incites violence or contains anything against the maintenance of the law and order or which promotesanti-national attitudes. Also, Para 6 (h) prevents programming which affects the integrity of the nation.

But with only half the States having nominated officials to implement this Act, it has essentially remained a paper tiger. Already the Act has led to considerable and unsuccessful litigation on an obscenity clause in the programme code.

Naqvi also said the prime band carriage of at least two Doordarshan channels, of which the terrestrial network will be one, will also be made mandatory in the Act. Prasar Bharati has prepared a note on the matter, which will form the basis of a Cabinet note by the Information and Broadcasting Ministry.

This is one issue on which Naqvi is in full agreement with Prasar Bharati CEO S S Gill. Gill is monitoring the transmission of Doordarshan through cable systems on a daily basis. Though there has been some improvement since he complained about the soccer World Cup transmission, he is extremely cut up with multi-system operators.

“They have been highlyuncooperative,” Gill said, referring to InCableNet and SitiCable in particular. “They demand a level playing field but won’t allow one to Doordarshan. They are destroying our transmission. An ordinance will set these people right.”