Kerala Women's Commission recommends to put an end to Malayalam mega serials

The Kerala Women’s Commission has made a series of important recommendations aimed at regulating Malayalam television serials. The recommendations include limiting the number of serials aired each day, reducing the length of episodes, and introducing stronger censorship measures to ensure content is suitable, especially for younger viewers.
One of the key recommendations in the report is to put an end to mega-serials, which are long-running shows that air daily on television. The Commission has proposed that the number of episodes in a serial should be limited to between 20 to 30, and only two serials should be allowed to air per channel each day. The Commission also suggests that re-telecasting of serials be banned to avoid repeating content and to ensure variety.
The Women's Commission is also calling for stricter censorship of serials before they are aired. They recommend that the existing Film Censor Board, or possibly a new special board, be responsible for reviewing and inspecting these serials. The goal is to ensure that the content is appropriate for viewers, particularly younger audiences, and to prevent the spread of harmful or inappropriate messages.
The recommendations come after a study conducted by the Kerala Women’s Commission, which surveyed 400 young people between the ages of 13 and 19 from the districts of Malappuram, Kottayam, and Thiruvananthapuram. The survey found that many young people were concerned about the impact of serials on viewers. A significant 43% of the participants felt that the serials often conveyed the wrong messages, while 57% expressed a desire for changes in the themes and content of these shows. The study also highlighted that children often imitate negative or immoral characters, especially female protagonists who are portrayed in harmful or negative ways.
The Commission’s report further emphasizes the negative effects that serials can have on families and children. Many of the shows lack realism, and their themes can lead to harmful imitations among young viewers, affecting their behavior and attitudes. The Commission has raised concerns that these shows may promote unrealistic expectations and negative values.
Apart from regulating serials, the Women’s Commission has made additional suggestions to improve the media landscape. These include encouraging the production and airing of short films, web series, and educational programs. The Commission also calls for measures to reduce children's excessive use of social media, the banning of abusive language in TV shows, and stronger laws to prevent the derogatory portrayal of women in media. They propose enforcing stricter regulations to combat the spread of obscene content and establishing committees to oversee these issues. Additionally, the Commission has suggested the creation of a grievance cell to handle complaints related to harmful media content.
The study, which was conducted between 2017 and 2022, aimed to address issues in various sectors, including the influence of television content on society, especially the younger generation. These recommendations aim to create a healthier and more responsible media environment, ensuring that the content aired on television is respectful, educational, and appropriate for all viewers.