The government’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting shared a new document on November 10th.
They introduced the Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill 2023 to set up new rules considering the advancements in broadcasting technology.
The ministry is asking people for their thoughts on this draft.
Anurag Thakur, the Information and Broadcasting Minister, posted on Twitter that we’re happy to show you the first version of the Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, continuing the Prime Minister’s idea of making life and business simpler.
He mentioned that this important law updates how we regulate our broadcasting sector.
It replaces old rules and guidelines with a forward-thinking approach. This means the bill is designed with new technology in mind.
Anurag Thakur, the Information and Broadcasting Minister, mentioned that this law considers the evolving aspects of OTT, the lively realm of digital media, DTH, IPTV, and more.
It encourages progress and development in technology. This is currently a rough plan.
First, it needs approval in the Lok Sabha and then in the Rajya Sabha. The new rules will become active once both houses agree.
Advancing the Honorable Prime Minister's vision for 'Ease of Doing Business' and 'Ease of Living,' we're proud to introduce the draft Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill.
This pivotal legislation modernizes our broadcasting sector's regulatory framework, replacing outdated…
— Anurag Thakur (@ianuragthakur) November 10, 2023
Bill will regulate broadcasting services in a new way
The 2023 Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill aims to create a single set of rules to oversee broadcasting services in the country.
It replaces the current Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act of 1995 and other existing guidelines that currently regulate the broadcasting sector in the country.
This new law, known as the Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill 2023, has 6 chapters, 48 sections, and three schedules.
According to a senior official from the ministry, it widens the regulations to cover content from platforms like OTT, digital news, and current affairs. Additionally, it is designed to include any new platforms that may emerge in the future.
Committee will be formed for content regulation
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting mentioned that this bill turns evaluation and inter-departmental committees into Broadcast Advisory Councils for self-regulation, ensuring quicker decisions. The bill also considers the needs of people with disabilities.
