Govt withdraws draft broadcasting bill
As per sources, the MIB has reached out to broadcasters, cable operators, and other stakeholders to return the bill copy that they received earlier this month
A few days after distributing copies of the Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2024 to stakeholders while keeping it out of the public eye, the government has now requested the immediate return of all copies.
According to sources, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has reached out to broadcasters, cable operators and other stakeholders who received the draft bill earlier this month, asking for their copies to be returned.
The rationale behind this request remains unclear but stakeholders speculate that it may indicate forthcoming amendments or reconsiderations to the bill.
The draft was never released publicly. Recently, broadcasters reportedly met with the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to voice their concerns, though details of that meeting have not been disclosed.
The Bill has faced significant criticism from various stakeholders, who argue that it could have adverse effects on the industry. Concerns have been raised about potential threats to freedom of speech, increased government intervention, and preferential treatment for Prasar Bharati-run services, among other issues.
