News influencers To Be Classified As 'Digital News Broadcasters'; New Draft Of Broadcasting Bill Underway

Social media influencers, producers, or podcasters that publish content related to current affairs and news genres may be called ‘Digital news broadcasters’, according to the latest draft of the Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill that the government shared with stakeholders.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) introduced new provisions to the Bill on July 9, as was previously reported. One of them stated that failing to inform the authorities upon exceeding the statutory threshold had spared OTT and digital news broadcasters from criminal repercussions. Furthermore, the definition of an over-the-top (OTT) broadcasting service has been updated to include social media creators.

The Bill, which attempts to combine all broadcaster laws into a single legislation, was initially made available for public comment in November 2023. Nonetheless, in discussions with the Ministry, broadcasters and streaming firms have brought up several issues.

Additionally, the Ministry has asked for input and remarks on the most recent draft of the Bill by July 31. Concerns have also been expressed concerning AI-generated material and the scope of music streaming services.

During its July 9 meeting with broadcasters and streaming service providers, MIB talked about the Bill's scope of social media news content and other issues that the stakeholders had previously brought up.

The Ministry informed the interested parties that it has inserted a new clause giving the federal government the authority to order any social media platform or internet service provider to take the necessary steps to put the Bill into effect. The Ministry is also looking at the current advertising and program codes because it has been suggested that distinct codes be used for on-demand and linear broadcasters.

The second draft of the bill, which is the most recent version, is intended to replace the Cable Television Networks Act of 1995.

Broadcasters like Netflix and Hotstar, streaming services like Spotify, social networking firms like Google and Meta, and industry bodies like FICCI, NBA, and IAMAI were represented at the gathering.