MUMBAI: The Geneva-based Media and Society Foundation is launching a new quality management standard for the international broadcasting industry.

A company release informs that the standard, known as ISAS BC 9001 has been adapted to the broadcasting industry from the well-established ISO 9001standard. In less than a decade, the ISO standard has succeeded in certifying 550,000 companies across160 countries.

The release adds that the new standard ISAS BC 9001 will measure the degree to which broadcasting companies meet both ISO 9001 and the industry-specific criteria. They include:

- Satisfaction of viewers/listeners
- Quality and accuracy of information
- Quality and diversity of other types of programming
- Innovation and creativity
- Editorial independence and transparency of management

ISAS BC 9001 claims to have set specific objectives for each of these criteria. Any broadcast organization that aims to meet these standards may apply to be audited by independent, accredited professionals. The certification process claims to be entirely voluntary and depends on the free choice of the broadcasters.

Certimedia will conduct the certification process. It will operate under the guidance and moral authority of the Media and Society Foundation.

Following a successful audit, the foundation will deliver a certificate of conformity. This will be valid for three years and will have an annual conformity check.

The company added that the benefits to the broadcasters would include greater accountability to listeners and viewers and thus greater credibility towards the advertisers. The certification would also enable broadcasters to save production costs.

Visit www.certimedia.org for further information on ISAS BC9001.