Controlling what kids can see is always a big issue when it comes to television. There are various ways it can be done. Some of it has to come from the government which can decide in general what is appropriate to be shown regularly in people’s homes. The rest of it has to come from individuals and families in the form of parental control devices that block certain channels, or with simply and firm control. It can be hard for parents to know, however, when to say “no.” On top of that, there is the internet to contend with where kids can get a hold of all kinds of material from television without ever raising a red flag in Mom and Dad’s eyes. The increasing raciness of reality television, however, cannot be denied. In a quest for ratings, the programming has gotten more and more shocking, with each show looking to outdo the last and draw the most attention. Many of these shows occupy prime time slots, which have traditionally been reserved for family friendly programming, leaving parents at a loss as to what could turn risky, or ‘risque’ at any moment. In India, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry has taken matters into its own hands and is pushing back the allowable hour for reality programming.

Foul language and overt sexuality are just two of the reasons that Indian authorities believe programming must be censored. Of course people can elect to have satellite TV channels showing anything they like in the comfort of their homes, but the Information and Broadcasting Ministry wants the public to have family options on during this traditionally family oriented viewing time. Shows like ‘Big Boss’ (like ‘Big Brother’) get better ratings when characters ‘hook up,’ or have inappropriate interactions or arguments, but according to India, that’s not what families should be watching. As such, such reality programs have been banished to late night timeslots, mostly after 11pm.

For anyone who says ‘lighten up,’ or that reality TV is all in good fun, just ask the family of a recent participant on the show ‘Rakhi’s Justice.’ After being confronted by the famous Bollywood dancer concerning his personal life, the contestant committed suicide. Unable to handle the public humiliation and shame, coupled with his actual marital problems, the contestant tumbled into depression and despair. While this satellite TV and reality TV are definitely not matters of life and death on a regular basis, in this case the Information and Broadcast Ministry wants to play it safe. Moving timeslots for reality programming, they feel, can help mitigate the situation.

What happens to shows or networks that do not comply with Indian regulations? In 2009 the precedent was set with an incident involving Fashion TV. When a model’s bare breasts were shown, the channel was promptly suspended for nine days, an eternity in the world of television broadcasting. Practices such as this have become acceptable and even commonplace on television in other parts of the world. Satellite TV subscribers in the United States wonder whether the US in headed in this more conservative direction, or whether the avalanche of increasingly low morals toppling down the television mountain will continue to set the standard. It seems that only time will tell.

By: John R. Harrison

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