Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill 2023: The Government of India has come up with a new proposal that will strengthen the regulatory framework for various broadcasting services, including over-the-top (OTT) content.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has released a new draft on 10 November. The government has introduced the Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill 2023 which aims to create a new regulatory framework keeping in mind the technological advancements in the broadcasting sector. The ministry has sought feedback from the people regarding this draft. Taking to Twitter, Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur wrote that taking forward the Honorable Prime Minister’s vision of ‘ease of doing business and living’, we are proud to present the draft of the Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill. He wrote that this important law modernizes the regulatory framework of our broadcasting sector. It also replaces old rules, guidelines etc. with a future-centric approach. That means this bill has been made keeping in mind new technology.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur wrote that this bill adopts the changing nature of OTT, the dynamic world of digital media, DTH, IPTV and others and promotes technological advancement and evolution. Note, at present this is a draft which will first be passed in the Lok Sabha and then placed in the Rajya Sabha. The new rules will come into effect after being passed by both the houses.
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This pivotal legislation modernizes our broadcasting sector’s regulatory framework, replacing outdated…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 new Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill 2023 provides for a unified framework to regulate broadcasting services in the country and supersede the existing Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 and other policy guidelines currently governing the broadcasting sector in the country. Tries to change. This bill includes 6 chapters, 48 sections and three schedules. Listing its key features, a senior ministry official said the bill not only expands the regulatory scope to include OTT content, digital news and current affairs but also to include any new platforms developed in the future. Also keeps the option open.
Committee will be formed for content regulation
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said that this bill converts the evaluation committees and inter-departmental committees into Broadcast Advisory Councils for self-content regulation so that fast decisions can be taken. The bill also addresses the specific needs of persons with disabilities.
