According to a directive issued by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting on Monday, starting on March 1 all private television channels in the nation will be required to broadcast “national interest content” every day.
What is the new obligation?
Private broadcasters are required by the new policy guidelines for uplinking and downlinking of television channels to engage in public service broadcasting for 30 minutes each day based on predetermined themes provided by the I&B ministry.
The ministry has made it clear that national interest content can be incorporated into programs that are being televised and does not have to last for a full 30 minutes with the advisory it issued on January 30. However, the ministry stated that it is not possible to do so between the hours of midnight and 6 am.
Many formalities for broadcasters:
Broadcasters are now required to maintain a 90-day archive of the content telecast. The records will be maintained by the I&B Ministry’s Electronic Media Monitoring Center. Additionally, the broadcasters must submit a monthly report to the government online via the Broadcast Seva Portal. The content can be shared between the broadcasters and a repeat telecast on one or several channels is also allowed now. In fact, a digital repository of relevant videos or textual content for the purpose may be developed, the advisory said, which may be accessed and used by TV channels.
What are the themes?
The up linking/downlinking policy document from the ministry listed eight themes: national integration, protection of the environment and cultural heritage, welfare of women, welfare of the weaker segments of society, agriculture and rural development, health and family welfare, science, and technology. Prescribed themes now cover a wider range of topics.
Advisory said, “The list of themes of national importance and of social relevance given under clause 35 of the Policy Guidelines are indicative and may be expanded to include similar subjects of national importance and social relevance such as water conservation, disaster management, etc.”
Where doesn’t it apply?
All channels, except for those specifically listed as exempt, are subject to the condition. In addition to live telecast for sports channels, these also include foreign and wildlife channels. Monthly reports are not required from channels that air more than 12 hours of devotional, spiritual, or yoga programming.
