MTV says Sorry for 'vulgarity'

Govt asks the channel to run a scroll for three days, apologising for abusive language on reality show

For the next three days you will watch a big apology running with your favourite MTV shows.

The government has directed the channel to say sorry for the "abusive and vulgar language" used in the hit show MTV Roadies - II. The Information and Broadcasting Ministry has asked the channel to run a scroll for three days, starting today saying: "Ministry of Information and Broadcasting warned MTV channel for telecast of the programme 'MTV Roadies II', containing abusive and vulgar words, phrases and gesticulations, which were found in violation of the Programme Code. MTV apologises for the said violation and assures strict compliance of Programme Code in future."

The Ministry, acting on a number of complaints, first issued a show cause to the channel then the videotapes were examined by various committees of the ministry who declared the programme "unfit" for public viewing.

"The MTV will carry a scroll of legible large font and at normal speed without any interruption/mixing of any type of advertisement round-the-clock for three days from noon July 3 to noon July 6. The channel will submit a recording of the scroll to the Ministry," an Information and Broadcasting Ministry official told MiD DAY.

"The channel has been warned that any further violation may entail stringent action, including suspension or prohibition of broadcast," he added.

MiD DAY tried to contact, spokesperson, MTV spokesperson Ashish Patil, who assured he'd call back, but did not take calls thereafter.