• By Kamal Kumar
  • Mon, 12 Aug 2024 11:07 PM (IST)
  • Source:JND

Broadcasting Bill Draft:  A new row erupted after the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting on Monday said that it would publish a new draft of the crucial Broadcasting Bill. This came after the opposition alleged that the revised version of the bill was secretly provided to a select few stakeholders - who were asked to return their copies recently.

Amid the serious charges of opposition, the Ashwini Vaishnaw-led Ministry said that it is working on a Draft Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill and is currently in the consultation process with the stakeholders on the draft bill.

The Ministry further said: "The draft Bill was placed in the public domain on 10.11.2023 along with the explanatory notes for comments of the stakeholders and the general public."

"The Ministry is holding a series of consultations with the stakeholders on the draft bill. Further additional time is being provided to solicit comments/ suggestions till 15th October 2024," it added.

Contentious Provisions For Current Affairs-Based Influencers, YouTubers

The revised draft bill seeks to tag the YouTubers and influencers creating content on the issues of current affairs as broadcasters, Hindustan Times reported. On being above a certain threshold, such creators will have set up a Content Evaluation Committee (CEC) to pre-certify content, HT reported.

Congress Called It Attack On 'Freedom of Speech'

Earlier this month, the Congress party called the Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, a direct threat to our freedom of speech and independent media.

"...Increased government control over content creators, from social media influencers to independent news outlets, threatens the independence of the press and restricts free speech. The bill labels anyone uploading videos, making podcasts, or writing about current affairs as 'digital news broadcasters.' This could unnecessarily regulate individuals and small teams providing independent news coverage," Congress leader Pawan Khera wrote on X.