The Central Government announced on Monday that a fresh draft of the Broadcasting Services Regulation Bill will be released following detailed consultations, with suggestions invited until October 15.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting called on stakeholders, including various associations and the general public, to submit their comments and suggestions on the draft bill and its explanatory notes.
In response, the ministry received a substantial number of recommendations from a diverse array of stakeholders. To ensure a thorough evaluation of these inputs, the ministry is conducting a series of consultations with the involved parties. After this extended consultation period, a revised draft of the bill will be published, incorporating the feedback and detailed discussions.
The proposed Broadcasting Services Regulation Bill aims to establish a consolidated framework for regulating the broadcasting services in the country, replacing the existing Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act of 1995 and other policy guidelines currently governing the sector.
The bill seeks to streamline regulatory processes, extend its scope to include Over-the-Top (OTT) content and digital news, and introduce contemporary definitions and provisions for emerging technologies.
Key features of the bill include the establishment of Content Evaluation Committees and a Broadcast Advisory Council for self-regulation, distinct program and advertisement codes for different Broadcasting Network Operators, accessibility measures for persons with disabilities, and the imposition of statutory penalties. This updated legislation is expected to bring the broadcasting sector in line with modern technological advancements and regulatory needs.
