The DIGIPUB News India Foundation, which represents over 90 digital news media entities, commentators, and journalists across India, sent a letter to the Minister of Information and Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw on July 29. The letter requests a formal meeting to address the foundation’s concerns and suggestions regarding the digital news ecosystem.
The Broadcast Regulation Bill 2023, currently under consultation, has raised concerns among content creators following media reports on July 26 that the new draft bill may classify individuals who regularly post on social media, produce podcasts, or create videos on current affairs as digital news broadcasters.
According to the letter that exchange4media has access to, the foundation has requested a copy of the Broadcast Regulation Bill from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB). The bill has been circulated to some news media organizations and associations but not to all stakeholders. This was the foundation’s second email to the Minister of Information and Broadcasting. “We kindly request a copy of the bill and a convenient time for the meeting. We look forward to engaging in meaningful discussions to foster a healthy and robust news ecosystem in India,” the letter reads.
As earlier reported by exchange4media, as per the new broadcasting bill, news and current affair programmes will also include text. At present, this section only covers audio and visual content. As per reports, the bill may require broadcasters and network operators to comply with FDI policy and other regulations related to disasters and natural calamities as per the existing law. It was also reported that the government can lay down different sets of guidelines for social media platforms and online advertisement intermediaries.
The draft of the Broadcast Services (Regulation) bill, 2023, was introduced by the government last year to regulate the broadcasting sector which was also applicable to the streaming giants.
Stakeholders were directed to retrieve their unique copies of the second draft from Shastri Bhawan, and to sign an agreement not to distribute the bill. Each copy has a specific watermark on every page, enabling the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) to trace any unauthorized leaks, a report said.
The issue has raised concerns among content creators with many posting on social media with #Stopthebroadcastbill.
Trinamool Congress’s Rajya Sabha members Jawhar Sircar and Saket Gokhale also shared their views on social media.
SOS for CONTENT CREATORS!
— meghnad (Nerds ka Parivaar) (@Memeghnad) https://twitter.com/Memeghnad/status/1817115527350767947?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2024
Brace yourself. https://t.co/x94jiPko0S">pic.twitter.com/x94jiPko0S
This is very important for almost ALL of you
— Saket Gokhale MP (@SaketGokhale) https://twitter.com/SaketGokhale/status/1816679620030398507?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2024
Have you recently tweeted about politics or current affairs? Or perhaps put out a video about the govt or politics?
If yes, the Modi Govt now plans to bring you under the ambit of the Broadcasting Services Bill.
This means that:
-… https://t.co/NMETI0qE5A">pic.twitter.com/NMETI0qE5A
Minister’s reply to my parliament ques that Broadcasting Bill is still in drafting stage
— Jawhar Sircar (@jawharsircar) https://twitter.com/jawharsircar/status/1817116521178579024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2024
— is MISLEADING.
The Final Bill has quietly been supplied to big businesses houses and interest groups!
Why’s he not placing it in Parliament?? https://t.co/pio8Y76ayw">https://t.co/pio8Y76ayw
via https://twitter.com/Aditi_muses?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Aditi_muses
Internet ki duniya walon, hoshiyaar!https://twitter.com/hashtag/ContentBachao?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ContentBachao https://twitter.com/hashtag/StopTheBroadcastBill?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StopTheBroadcastBill https://t.co/n7e1yEb0Kw">pic.twitter.com/n7e1yEb0Kw
— Kabiran (@Kabiran_) https://twitter.com/Kabiran_/status/1817788793883099231?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 29, 2024
https://twitter.com/hashtag/StopTheBroadcastBill?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#StopTheBroadcastBill
— Abhisar Sharma (@abhisar_sharma) https://twitter.com/abhisar_sharma/status/1817180227241468036?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2024
?? ??? ??? ?? ??? ?????? ?? ?? ????? ???? https://t.co/Ydb0KP6CJ5">pic.twitter.com/Ydb0KP6CJ5
