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Proposed Broadcasting Bill may result in greater government control of broadcast, digital media: NWMI

Proposed Broadcasting Bill may result in greater government control of broadcast, digital media: NWMI
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Proposed Broadcasting Bill may result in greater government control of broadcast, digital media: NWMI

  • The proposed Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023 has raised the concerns of over-control and over-regulation.
  • The Network of Women in Media, India (NWMI) made a submission to the Information & Broadcasting Ministry in this regard.
  • The bill at present is open to receiving feedback from the public and stakeholders.

Key Highlights

  • The Broadcasting Bill seeks to replace the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act of 1995.
  • It aims at providing a comprehensive regulatory regime for all forms of broadcasting content from television to streaming platforms.
  • The government bestows inordinate powers on itself through this Bill.

List of Concerns Raised by NWMI

  • The bill needs wider and exhaustive consultations.
  • The media landscape need not be over-controlled.
  • This intent to control and over-regulate is not in the interests of a healthy, independent media.
  • Free press, free speech and creative freedom in India need to be protected.
  • The bill contains vaguely worded provisions, including its definition of ‘news and current affairs programmes.
  • The bill will unduly cover individual YouTubers, the social media accounts of professional journalists and even citizen journalists.
  • The Bill places extra-requirements and burdens on news organisations.
  • The bill is injurious to small news operators.

Centre Government Sway Over the Media and OTT Platforms

  • The outline of the Programme Code and Advertising Code as a part of the bill has not been thoroughly consulted.
  • The bill subject the work of newspersons to Content Evaluation Committees (CECs).
  • The Bill gives the Central government an overriding role in the formation of Content Evaluation Committees (CECs).
  • In the context of OTT platforms, CECs look set to mimic the functioning of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) which itself is subject to criticism.
  • The Committee of Experts on OTT chaired by Shyam Benegal suggested the liberal control of these platforms.
  • The formation of a Broadcast Advisory Council under the bill will be in the hands of the Centre Government.

Prelims Takeaway

  • Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act of 1995.
  • Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023
  • Broadcast Advisory Council

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