The M-Word

IN Media Watch Briefs | 09/02/2012

While the News Broadcasters Association may be smugly patting itself for initiating a self-regulatory framework, that includes the prohibiting obscenities and explicit language, a little TV news watching may prove useful. On Rajdeep Sardesai's primetime India@Nine the topic being discussed on Wednesday night was watching porn in the Karnataka Assembly. Panellist, feminist-activist Madhu Kishwar, making a point on the Indian male libido, used the word masturbate. Panellist number two, Suhel Seth, every news channel's favourite rent-a-quote, repeated it loud and clear. In the meantime, entertainment channels bleep out words like 'beef' and 'jerk'.

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Amazon resisting voluntary censorship

The new term for self censorship is voluntary censorship, as proposed by companies like Netflix and Hotstar. ET reports that streaming video service Amazon Prime is opposing a move by its peers to adopt a voluntary censorship code in anticipation of the Indian government coming up with its own rules. Amazon is resisting because it fears that it may alienate paying subscribers.

Let the games begin

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