Channels Can Opt For Airing Public Content On Voluntary Basis

Broadcasters have been given some relief as the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has reportedly suggested that public service content on television will be aired on 30-minute channels on a voluntary basis. 

During the meeting between officials of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the Indian Broadcasting and Digital Foundation (IBDF) on Friday, the assurance was granted to the broadcasters. 

Earlier this month, the ministry made public service content mandatory for TV channels. The revised MIB guidelines for uplinks and downlinks were included this direction. 

IBDF had sent a letter to the government last week expressing its opposition to the order and requesting that it either eliminate the stipulation or provide subsidies and tax incentives to broadcasters who air public service content voluntarily.

TV networks like Delhi-Star, Sony, Zee, and Viacom 18 are included in the IBDF.