From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023
Central Idea
- The Information & Broadcasting Ministry recently unveiled the draft Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023, a transformative legislation designed to modernize and streamline the broadcasting sector in India.
- This bill presents a unified regulatory framework encompassing traditional broadcasting, OTT content, digital news, and current affairs.
Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023
| Description | |
| What is it about? | – Replaces outdated laws, including the 1995 Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act.
– Extends regulatory oversight to emerging broadcasting technologies (OTT, Digital Media, DTH, IPTV). |
| Structure and Definitions | – Comprises six chapters, 48 sections, and three schedules.
– Provides clear definitions for modern broadcasting terms and formally defines technical terms. |
| Self-Regulation and Advisory Bodies | – Introduces “Content evaluation committees” for self-regulation within the broadcasting industry.
– Establishes the Broadcast Advisory Council to advise the government on program and advertisement code violations. |
| Penalties and Fairness | – Operators and broadcasters may face penalties such as advisory warnings, censure, or monetary fines based on the seriousness of offenses.
– Imprisonment and fines are reserved for severe violations and are commensurate with the entity’s financial capacity. |
| Inclusivity for Disabilities | – Promotes broadcasting accessibility for individuals with disabilities through subtitles, audio descriptors, and sign language.
– Provides for the appointment of a “Disability Grievance Officer” to address disabled individuals’ concerns. |
| Infrastructure Sharing and Dispute Resolution | – Facilitates infrastructure sharing among broadcasting network operators.
– Streamlines the “Right of Way” section, improving efficiency in addressing relocation and alterations. – Establishes a structured dispute resolution mechanism. |
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