The programming block allegedly appearing on the homepage of Airtel Xstream OTT services across connected devices including mobile was flagged by the I&B Ministry
Airtel Xstream Monday removed a programming block allegedly offering ‘distasteful adult/vulgar’ content during late-night hours after receiving an objection from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
The programming block titled “Night Time Entertainment” was allegedly appearing on the homepage of Xstream OTT services across connected devices including mobile.
Airtel Xstream is a brand under Airtel DTH offering a plethora of services including Airtel Xstream TV – DTH connections clubbed with OTT aggregation services, Airtel Xstream Fiber – high-speed internet connections across more than 100 cities, Airtel Xstream Play app – an OTT aggregation app, Airtel Xstream Stick – Plug-in and play device offering OTT aggregation service.
Sources in the I&B ministry told BestMediaInfo.com that these services are being offered under the umbrella of main DTH brands licensed by the Government of India.
“Keeping in view the rapid expansion of connected TV in the country, we discourage such practices of cheap-selling a brand that is licensed to provide direct-to-home services to households. Such programming blocks are not only a violation of the content code but also do not stand on moral grounds,” an I&B ministry official said.
The content for the broadcast sector is regulated by the Programme Code laid under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act. However, the government has pushed for self-regulation of OTT content.
The OTT aggregation and connected TV services offered by DTH players such as Airtel Xstream, Tata Play Binge, and DishTV Watcho offer a host of OTT apps including YouTube offering all sorts of content.
OTT players such as AltBalaji also create ‘A’ rated content not made for family viewing and find a place in the television households through OTT aggregation services offered by all the DTH players.
While AltBalaji adult shows are directly available on Airtel Xstream, it is accessible on Tata Play Binge through JioCinema.
On the other hand, these OTT aggregation services of DTH platforms have not onboarded adult OTT apps such as Ullu.
The questions are being raised why the grounds on which Ullu’s content is denied cannot be applied to adult shows from other apps.
When asked if such content should not find a place at all on OTT aggregation services provided by DTH players, the I&B official said that the lines are blurred with the evolution of technology.
“Almost all the players including MSOs are offering CTV services. If a viewer wants to watch certain content, she will find that out by any means. If a certain content is blocked on CTV, it can be Chromecast on the TV set through mobile phones. Then there is YouTube installed on all connected TV sets where anyone can watch anything. While we examine the legalities, the larger point is cheap-selling a household brand primarily governed by the Programme Code laid under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act.” the official explained.
Queries sent to the DTH players remained unanswered by the time of publishing of this report.
