Draft Broadcasting Services Bill Introduced To Accommodate OTT, Digital Media; Encourages Self-Regulation, Inclusivity

The Information and Broadcasting Ministry introduced the draft Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill 2023 on Friday (10 November). This bill is designed to establish a modern regulatory framework that aligns with the technological progress in the sector.

The Ministry has requested stakeholders to provide feedback and comments on the draft Bill within 30 days of its release.

“This pivotal legislation modernises our broadcasting sector’s regulatory framework, replacing outdated Acts, Rules, and Guidelines with a unified, future-focused approach. It adapts to the dynamic world of OTT, Digital Media, DTH, IPTV, and more, promoting technological advancement and service evolution,” said Union Minister Anurag Thakur on X.

He highlighted that key innovations include the establishment of 'Content Evaluation Committees' for robust self-regulation and the transformation of the Inter-Departmental Committee into a broader 'Broadcast Advisory Council,' fostering inclusive decision-making.

Calling the bill inclusive, Thakur pointed out that it specifically caters to the Divyangjan community with comprehensive accessibility guidelines and carries Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for 'Ease of Doing Business' and 'Ease of Living'.

The draft Bill aims to establish a comprehensive framework for regulating broadcasting services in the country. It intends to replace the existing Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995, and other policy guidelines that currently govern the broadcasting sector in the country.

The proposed Bill includes various statutory penalties for operators and broadcasters, such as advisory, warning, censure, or monetary penalties. The Ministry emphasised that imprisonment and fines would only apply to very serious offenses, aiming for a balanced regulatory approach.

The monetary penalties and fines would be determined based on the entity's financial capacity, taking into consideration their investment and turnover to ensure fairness and equity.

The Bill also encompasses measures for facilitating infrastructure sharing among broadcasting network operators and carriage of platform services. It aims to improve the efficiency of relocation and alterations through streamlining the 'Right of Way' section, while also establishing a structured mechanism for resolving disputes.