Draft Broadcasting Bill: MIB Extends Consultation Period

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has extended the deadline for submission of public comments on the draft Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023, to October 15.

This extension follows an initial release of the draft Bill in November of last year, with previous deadlines for comments extended from December 9, 2023, to January 15, 2024 (click here to read our article on the draft Bill).

The proposed Bill aims to replace the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995. It introduces new regulations for over-the-top (OTT) broadcasting service providers, requiring those meeting the prescribed threshold to provide an intimation to the Central Government. The OTT services network operators would face penalties if their content is not in consonance with the programme and advertisement codes. Additionally, the draft Bill seeks to bring digital news and current affairs programmes within its ambit.

Recently, the MIB circulated a revised draft to select stakeholders for feedback. This draft faced criticism for its broad definition of digital news broadcasters. Specifically, the definition, which includes ‘publishers of news and current affairs content,’ could potentially encompass a wide range of online content creators who cover news and current affairs.

In response to the feedback, the MIB has extended the consultation period and is inviting comments until October 15. The Ministry has indicated that a new draft will be issued following a thorough round of stakeholder consultations.