Govt Open to Broadcasting Regulation Law After Extensive Consultations

Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Monday informed that the government is open and flexible about bringing a broadcasting regulation law and will go ahead with the same only after wide-ranging consultations, according to a report in Financial Express.

According to the minister, the ministry would not bring out a fresh draft of the Broadcasting Services Regulation Bill since sources pointed out there was no need for such legislation.

Reports emerged last week that the Broadcasting Regulation Bill 2024 was being pulled and reviewed after public backlash over its proposal that would have required online content creators to obtain licenses or register.

“We are very flexible, we are very open-minded. We want this entire new medium to flourish. We will have very extensive consultations, then look at the form and content of the Bill,” Vaishnaw told reporters. He further said the government would now go for a broader consultation process.

The Bill is still on hold, official sources indicated and a decision for a new draft will come only after assessing the need and existing regulations.