DTH package may include adult content

About 3.2 million direct-to-home (DTH) subscribers could get access to adult contents on their television if the adult time band (11 pm to 5 am) proposed by the government under the new programme and advertising code for the broadcasters is implemented.

This move may also allow a host of international channels with adult contents on DTH platforms.

The proposals prepared by the ministry of information and broadcasting (I&B) say adult content can be allowed on television between 11pm and 5am only on addressable platforms and for viewers above the age of 18 years.

Under addressable platforms, pay TV channels are routed through a digital set top box and consumers only pay for the channels they watch.

Currently, only three addressable platforms in DTH services, conditional access system (CAS) and IPTV, are available in the country with DTH services having the maximum subscriber base.

"This move may boost the subscriber base of private DTH companies like Dish TV, Tata Sky (already operational), Reliance Bluemagic, Sun Direct and Bharti Enterprises (in the process of launching)," an industry source said.

According to the current downlinking guidelines, channels with 'objectionable' content are not permitted to be viewed in India. The I&B ministry, from time to time, has banned several Russian channels for transmitting adult content on cable television.

"Either the I&B ministry will have to come out with a separate code for adult contents on addressable platforms like DTH, CAS or IPTV or they will have to alter the current downlinking guidelines for granting permission to international channels with adult content," a media analyst said.

But according to senior I&B officials, the present programme and advertising codes are proposals that will be debated by all stakeholders before implementation."