Comedy Central banned in India
May 28, 2013
By Chris Forrester
Viacom’s Comedy Central has been banned in India for screening “inappropriate content”. Comedy Central in India is part of the Viacom joint-venture with the local Network 18 media group. Comedy Central, says India’s Ministry of Information & Broadcasting regulator, screened ‘Stand Up Club’ on May 26th a year ago and another show ‘Popcorn’ on July 4th.
Comedy Central will be off the air for 10 days, starting on May 25th. Another channel (Manoranjan TV), not connected with Viacom, is also being penalised with a 7 day black-out starting on May 25th for airing what is described as an adult film during the afternoon.
Viacom 18 Media appealed the decision some time ago, but an Indian court ruled that the 10 day penalty was not unduly harsh when the rules allow the regulator to set a penalty of up to 30 days for a first violation, and 90 days for a second.