Those already broadcasting their content have been asked to do so through public broadcaster Prasar Bharati
Those already broadcasting their content have been asked to do so through public broadcaster Prasar Bharati
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on Friday issued an advisory saying that no ministries or departments of governments at the Centre, states and union territories and their affiliated entities should enter into broadcasting or distribution of broadcasting activities in future.
Those who are already broadcasting their content have been asked to do so through the public broadcaster, Prasar Bharati, and entities distributing broadcast content to “extract themselves” from it by December 31, 2023. Having said.
The ministry said the advisory has been issued in view of the recommendation of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), the Supreme Court’s judgment in the Cricket Association of Bengal case and the legal opinion of the Law Ministry.
The move could have political implications as those affected by the consultation include Andhra Pradesh government’s IPTV, Tamil Nadu’s Kalvi TV and Arasu Cable.
special privileges
Stating that the I&B Ministry is the nodal agency for all matters relating to broadcasting, the advisory said to grant the power and license of legislation on issues of “postal and telegraph, telephone, wireless, broadcasting and other forms of communication”. The special privilege rested with the Center in respect of “Telegraph and Power”.
In 2012, TRAI had suggested that central and state governments, their companies, undertakings, joint ventures with the private sector and entities funded by governments should not be allowed to enter into the business of broadcasting and/or distributing TV channels. needed. , This was based on the recommendation of the Sarkaria Commission and the decision of the Cricket Association case.
The Supreme Court had observed that state control actually meant government control, which meant control of the political party or the parties in power at the time. It was further observed that public service broadcasting should be in the hands of corporation(s) established under a statute and such corporations should be so constituted as to ensure their impartiality in political, economic and social matters and on other public issues. The advisory states that they should promote pluralism and diversity of thoughts and ideas.
In the context of the demand by some states for their own broadcasting stations, TRAI cited the views of the Sarkaria Commission and the Varghese Committee, noting that “centrifugal” tendencies were sought for a concurrent or special power to control broadcasting. States could not be supported in respect of
functional independence
“The importance of Prasar Bharati, which is an independent statutory body, should also not be overlooked. TRAI has suggested that the body should fulfill the legitimate aspirations of government entities with regard to broadcasting activities, as well as the ‘Prasar Bharati’ and strengthen the relationship between the government so as to enhance its autonomy and functional independence.”
Based on the recommendations, the existing operational broadcasting in respect of certain Ministries and Departments of the Central Government and some State Governments has already been brought under the ambit of Prasar Bharati through a Memorandum of Understanding, the Ministry said.
In order to give effect to the latest decision, the entry of Central/State/Union Territory Governments in broadcasting activity for educational purposes will be permitted through the Prasar Bharati route through “appropriate” agreements. All such existing activities will also have to be brought under its ambit. Till then, uninterrupted telecast of ongoing education channels and other scheduled programs will be allowed.
Under the extant policy guidelines, government universities, colleges, schools, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, certain autonomous bodies and agricultural universities are eligible to set up community radios.