Daily Current Affairs : 14-November-2023
Recently, the Information & Broadcasting Ministry unveiled the draft Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023, signaling a significant step towards modernizing the regulatory landscape of the broadcasting sector in India.
Aims and Purpose:
The primary objective of the Bill is to establish a comprehensive legal framework that not only consolidates existing regulations but also extends its reach to cover Over-The-Top (OTT) media services, digital news, and current affairs. Additionally, the Bill strives to enhance inclusivity by making broadcasting more accessible to people with disabilities.
- Promotion of Accessibility: The Bill emphasizes the use of subtitles, audio descriptors, and sign language to cater to diverse audiences.
Key Features:
1. Regulatory Framework: The Bill introduces a unified regulatory framework for various broadcasting services, intending to replace the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act of 1995 and other prevailing policy guidelines.
2. Extension of Regulation: Extending its scope, the Bill brings under its regulatory umbrella OTT content, digital news, and current affairs, which are currently regulated through the IT Act, 2000. It also accounts for emerging broadcasting technologies.
3. Definitions: In an effort to adapt to the evolving industry, the Bill provides comprehensive definitions for contemporary broadcasting terms, establishing clarity in regulatory discourse.
4. Committees and Codes: Introducing ‘Content Evaluation Committees’ for self-regulation and a ‘Broadcast Advisory Council’ to advise the government on program and advertisement code violations, the Bill aims for a balanced regulatory approach.
5. Penalties: The Bill establishes statutory penalties, including advisory, warning, censure, or monetary penalties, based on the severity of violations. Imprisonment and fines are reserved for more serious offenses, ensuring a proportional response.
6. Disability Grievance Officer: Recognizing the importance of accessibility, the Bill mandates the appointment of a Disability Grievance Officer, underscoring the commitment to inclusivity.
7. Infrastructure Sharing and Right of Way: The Bill includes provisions for infrastructure sharing among broadcasting network operators and a streamlined ‘Right of Way’ section, addressing relocation and alterations more efficiently. It establishes a structured dispute resolution mechanism for disputes in this regard.
Important Points:
- Aims and Purpose:
- Establish a consolidated legal framework for the broadcasting sector.
- Extend regulations to cover OTT content, digital news, and current affairs.
- Enhance inclusivity by making broadcasting accessible to people with disabilities.
- Promote the use of subtitles, audio descriptors, and sign language for diverse audiences.
- Key Features:
- Regulatory Framework:
- Introduce a unified regulatory framework for various broadcasting services.
- Replace the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act of 1995 and existing policy guidelines.
- Extension of Regulation:
- Include OTT content, digital news, and current affairs within the regulatory purview.
- Account for emerging broadcasting technologies.
- Definitions:
- Provide comprehensive definitions for contemporary broadcasting terms.
- Establish clarity in regulatory discourse.
- Committees and Codes:
- Introduce ‘Content Evaluation Committees’ for self-regulation.
- Establish a ‘Broadcast Advisory Council’ to advise the government on code violations.
- Penalties:
- Impose statutory penalties, including advisory, warning, censure, or monetary penalties.
- Reserve imprisonment and fines for serious offenses.
- Disability Grievance Officer:
- Mandate the appointment of a Disability Grievance Officer for accessibility concerns.
- Infrastructure Sharing and Right of Way:
- Include provisions for infrastructure sharing among broadcasting network operators.
- Streamline the ‘Right of Way’ section for efficient relocation and alterations.
- Establish a structured dispute resolution mechanism for related disputes.
- Regulatory Framework:
Why In News
The Information & Broadcasting Ministry recently unveiled the draft Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023, aiming to address evolving challenges in the media landscape. The proposed legislation outlines comprehensive measures to ensure a transparent and accountable regulatory framework for broadcasting services. It is anticipated to foster a dynamic media environment that adapts to the changing needs of the digital era, promoting diversity and quality content for the public.
MCQs about Draft Broadcasting Bill 2023
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Draft Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023 aims to:
A. Consolidate legal frameworks for the broadcasting sector
B. Introduce new broadcasting technologies
C. Focus solely on cable television networks
D. Enhance entertainment content on OTT platforms
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The Draft Broadcasting Bill is set to replace which regulatory act?
A. IT Act, 2000
B. Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act of 1995
C. Broadcasting Code of Conduct
D. Media Standards and Practices Act
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What penalties are outlined in the Bill for broadcasting violations?
A. Only advisory and warning
B. Advisory, warning, censure, and monetary penalties
C. Imprisonment and fines
D. Advisory and imprisonment
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What significant provision does the Bill include for ensuring accessibility?
A. Introduction of Content Evaluation Committees
B. Establishment of a Disability Grievance Officer
C. Streamlining the ‘Right of Way’ section
D. Inclusion of comprehensive definitions for broadcasting terms
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