The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has released draft rules to bring India’s broadcasting services under a unified regulatory framework governed by the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
Key Highlights of the Draft Rules
- Unified Framework: The new rules will consolidate six existing policy frameworks including Satellite TV Channels, DTH, Headend-in-the-Sky (HITS), Private & Community Radio Stations and Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) Services into one harmonized rulebook.
- Exempted Entities: Parliament of India and Prasar Bharati.
- Strict Oversight & Compliance:
- Set License Durations:
- 10 years for TV channels, teleports, and community radio;
- 15 years for private FM radio;
- 20 years for TV distribution services like DTH and HITS.
- Mandatory Public Content:Private TV channels (for 30 minutes) and Private FM radio stations (for 1 hour with 20% local content) must broadcast public-interest programming daily on themes of national importance, such as education, agriculture, etc.
- Renewals: Broadcasters are ineligible if they commit more than five rule violations.
- Ownership Changes: Require prior government approval, continuous security clearances, and a 30-day notice for any shifts in shareholding or FDI.
- Penalties: Breaches risk civil penalties, encashment of bank guarantees, or the suspension and revocation of the authorization.
The Telecommunications Act, 2023
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