While making changes to the guidelines for television channels operating in India, the Union Cabinet has laid down certain norms on content as well. In times of polarization of views, heated debate and narrowly targeting of views on television, it was stated that wherever applicable, the channels shall broadcast content on subjects of national importance and socially relevant issues Every day for at least 30 minutes. ‘Guidelines for Uplinking and Downlinking of Satellite Television Channels in India, 2022’ Point out that since airwaves and frequencies are public property and need to be used in the best interest of society, a company permitted to operate in India, except for foreign channels, must broadcast content in the service of the public. The subjects chosen include spreading education and literacy, agriculture and rural development, health and family welfare, science and technology, welfare of women and weaker sections of the society, protection of environment and cultural heritage and national integration. These are subjects on which a lot of awareness is needed. Projected to add another 42 million television subscriptions by 2025, up from 178 million in 2021, according to a FICCI-EY report, on the face of it, public service broadcasting isn’t a bad idea in a diverse country with myriad issues.
However, good intentions come with a caveat. The guidelines say, “The Central Government may, from time to time, issue a general advisory to channels for transmission of material in the national interest, and the channel shall comply with the same”. While the government has left it up to the channels to “appropriately modify their content to meet the obligation”, its intention to take steps when necessary may be another way of indicating that it will Will keep a watchful eye on it. In its 2008 recommendations, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India had suggested a public service obligation, which has been taken on board by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B). But there is no clarity yet on the compensation norms and who will bill for the public service component on TV. The guidelines, effective November 9, replace those in operation since 2011, with the government announcing a slew of measures including making India a teleport hub. The government has done away with the requirement of obtaining permission for live telecast of programmes; For live telecast only pre-registration of programs will be required. For the 30-minute public service slot, I&B secretary Apoorva Chandra has said that stakeholders will be consulted about the modalities, which will have to be sorted out.