This is the second time that the government has asked stakeholders to share suggestions as it recalled first draft of the Bill in August, just weeks after its initial circulation
Stakeholders are gearing up to submit their recommendations to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting regarding the Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2024, with the deadline set for October 13.
This comes after the government recalled the draft of the Bill in August, just weeks after its initial circulation. This withdrawal had raised eyebrows, especially considering that this was the second attempt to draft the Bill.
According to a senior industry expert, the suggestions to the Bill largely remain unchanged as the concerns raised in previous consultations were not adequately addressed.
“A notable concern is that every broadcaster or broadcasting network operator will be required to air only those programs that have been certified by the Content Evaluation Committee (CEC), except for programs specifically prescribed by the government,” said the expert, adding that “We will be submitting our suggestions to the ministry and hope they will consider them this time.”
While recalling the bill, the ministry had said that it was working on it and would issue a fresh draft in October.
“The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting is working on a Draft Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill . The draft Bill was placed in public domain on 10.11.2023 along with the explanatory notes for comments of the stakeholders and the general public.
“A fresh draft will be published after detailed consultations,” it had said.
The Bill had faced significant criticism from various stakeholders, who argued that it could have adverse effects on the industry.
Concerns Over Censorship and Compliance Burden
Media bodies voiced alarm over the potential implications of the Bill, particularly regarding the enforcement of censorship and the compliance burdens it places on content creators.
The fear was that the regulatory framework could stifle creativity and freedom of expression, especially on digital platforms where many creators operate.
Threat to freedom of speech
The Bill has faced significant backlash from various sectors of the broadcasting industry, which argue that it could have detrimental effects.
Concerns about potential threats to freedom of speech , increased government intervention, and preferential treatment for Prasar Bharati-run services have dominated discussions.
Industry stakeholders had argued that the Bill could create an uneven playing field that favors state-run media over private operators.
Inclusion of Social Media Influencers
One of the major sore points raised by stakeholders is the Bill’s inclusion of social media influencers under the definition of broadcasters. This inclusion raises numerous challenges, particularly regarding compliance and regulatory oversight.
Many influencers operate in a highly dynamic environment, and subjecting them to the same regulations as traditional broadcasters could stifle their ability to create engaging and relevant content, stakeholders had said.
Criticism Over DD FreeDish Exemption
Another critical issue is the exemption of DD FreeDish from encryption rules, a point that has drawn ire of the cable and DTH industries.
Cable operators had argued that this exemption undermines their competitiveness and fails to create a level playing field in the market.
The demand for equitable regulations is a recurring theme among stakeholders, who are keen to see reforms that benefit all players in the broadcasting landscape.
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