India’s Ministry of Information & Broadcasting Extends Deadline for Feedback on New Broadcasting Bill
The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting in India is intensifying efforts to finalize the Draft Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, which was first released for public feedback on November 10, 2023. The ministry had invited various stakeholders, including associations and the general public, to provide their comments and suggestions on the draft bill and its explanatory notes.
In response, the ministry received numerous recommendations from diverse stakeholders. To ensure thorough consideration of these inputs, the ministry is currently holding a series of consultations with the involved parties. Recognizing the importance of inclusive feedback, the Ministry has now extended the deadline for submitting comments and suggestions until October 15, 2024. This extension aims to allow more time for stakeholders to engage with the draft and offer their insights.
Following the completion of this extended consultation period, a revised draft of the bill will be published, reflecting the detailed consultations and feedback received. The draft Bill proposed by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting provides a consolidated framework to regulate the broadcasting services in the country and seeks to replace the existing Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995, and other Policy Guidelines currently governing the broadcasting sector in the country.
The Bill streamlines regulatory processes, extends its purview to cover Over-the-Top (OTT) content and digital news, and introduces contemporary definitions and provisions for emerging technologies. It seeks to provide for Content Evaluation Committees and a Broadcast Advisory Council for self-regulation, different program and advertisement codes for different Broadcasting Network Operators, accessibility measures for persons with disabilities, and statutory penalties.
Doubts Revealed
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting -: This is a part of the Indian government that looks after how information is shared with the public through TV, radio, and other media.
Draft Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill -: This is a proposed new set of rules that will guide how TV and other broadcasting services should work in India.
public feedback -: This means that regular people can share their thoughts and suggestions about the new rules before they are finalized.
stakeholders -: These are people or groups who have an interest in the new rules, like TV channels, online content creators, and viewers.
Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 -: This is an old set of rules from 1995 that currently guides how cable TV works in India.
OTT content -: OTT stands for ‘Over-The-Top’ and refers to content that is delivered over the internet, like shows and movies on Netflix or Amazon Prime.
digital news -: This is news that you can read or watch online, on websites or apps.
emerging technologies -: These are new and advanced technologies that are just starting to be used, like virtual reality or advanced streaming services.
