New Delhi [India], August 12 (HBTV): The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting is intensifying efforts to finalize the Draft Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, first released for public feedback on November 10, 2023.

The ministry had initially invited stakeholders, including various associations and the general public, to provide their comments and suggestions on the draft bill and its explanatory notes. 

In response to this call, the ministry received a significant number of recommendations from diverse stakeholders. To ensure thorough consideration of these inputs, the ministry is currently holding a series of consultations with the involved parties.

Recognizing the importance of inclusive feedback, the Ministry has now extended the deadline for submitting comments and suggestions until October 15, 2024. This extension is aimed at allowing more time for stakeholders to engage with the draft and offer their insights. 

Following the completion of this extended consultation period, a revised draft of the bill will be published, reflecting the detailed consultations and feedback received. 

The draft Bill proposed by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting provides for a consolidated framework to regulate the broadcasting services in the country and seeks to replace the existing Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 and other Policy Guidelines currently governing the broadcasting sector in the country. 

The Bill streamlines regulatory processes, extends its purview to cover the Over-the-Top(OTT) content and digital news, and introduces contemporary definitions and provisions for emerging technologies. It seeks to provide for Content Evaluation Committees and a Broadcast Advisory Council for self-regulation, different program and advertisement code for different Broadcasting Network Operators, Accessibility measures for persons with disabilities, and statutory penalties, etc.   

(ANI)