OTTs should not cross line that separates good content from unnecessary profanity: DMCRC chief
New Delhi (PTI): Digital Media Content Regulatory Council chairperson Justice (retd) Mukul Mudgal has asked the member OTT platforms to remain "disciplined" and not cross the line that separates good content from "unnecessary profanity".
Speaking to representatives of the member OTT (over-the-top) channels during an interactive session recently, Mudgal noted that it was "very encouraging" that member OTT platforms of the Digital Media Content Regulatory Council (DMCRC) have been abiding by the various regulations and the code of ethics.
"There is a need for everyone to remain disciplined and not cross the line that separates good content from unnecessary profanity," DMCRC quoted Justice Mudgal as saying in a statement.
The DMCRC is a self regulatory body, and Disney+Hotstar, Zee5, SonyLiv, Jio Cinema, Voot, Manorama Max, Sun Nxt, Discovery+, Yupp TV, Nee Stream and Fancode are its member OTT platforms.
"The Digital Media Content Regulatory Council held an interactive session with its member OTT platforms on October 13, 2023 in New Delhi. The meeting was chaired by Justice Mukul Mudgal," the statement said.
Among other issues, matters relating to depiction of alleged obscenity, vulgarity, profanity and violence in the content of OTT platforms were discussed and mitigating measures were also suggested during the interactive session, it added.
Addressing the session, the DMCRC chairperson said, "What you show has a deep impact on society since you reach millions of viewers. You have a great responsibility in a diverse democracy like India."
"It is natural that the platforms have the freedom to show online curated content after thorough due diligence. This is what content self-regulation is all about," he added.
Justice Mudgal, who had earlier chaired the non-news television content regulator Broadcasting Content Complaints Council (BCCC), said the efforts made in self-regulation "must continue without any letup".
"The platforms have a robust grievance redressal mechanism for their content," Justice Mudgal said.
The meeting also discussed issues related to implementation of the Rights of Person with Disabilities Act, 2016 and the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003 on OTT platforms, the statement said.
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No row over Maharashtra CM's post; leaders of Mahayuti will decide: Fadnavis
Mumbai (PTI): Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader Devendra Fadnavis on Saturday denied any row over the CM's post and asserted that leaders of Mahayuti will take a call even as counting of votes showed the saffron party-led coalition is heading for a landslide victory.
Addressing reporters, Fadnavis said the results of the Maharashtra assembly polls show that the state supports PM Narendra Modi and also thanked women voters.
"Opposition’s efforts of propagating a fake narrative, and polarisation of voters based on religion foiled by masses," said Fadnavis.
The Deputy CM said he succeeded in breaking the 'chakravyuh' of opposition due to the support of voters, the BJP team and party leaders.
With some leaders in BJP demanding that Fadnavis don the mantle of the next CM, the BJP stalwart said there was no row over the CM's post in Mahayuti- comprising BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP.
"Leaders of Mahayuti parties will decide (on next CM)," Fadnavis told reporters in Mumbai.
He said the people of Maharashtra have shown that the party headed by Eknath Shinde is the real Shiv Sena of Balasaheb Thackeray.
As per the poll trends, the BJP has won 10 constituencies and leading in 120.
