Content of national importance, security clearance for key posts: What’s in I&B ministry’s draft rules for TV, radio

The proposed rules will cover television channels, Direct-to-Home (DTH) services, Headend-in-the-Sky (HITS) platforms, teleport, private FM radio, community radio stations, news agencies supplying footage to television, and Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) services under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.

The rules mandate that TV channels should air at least 30 minutes of content every day on themes of national importance and social relevance between 6 am and 11 pm. The topics suggested range from education, agriculture and healthcare to science, women’s welfare, environmental protection and national integration.

Television channels would also be required to stay active throughout the validity of their authorisation, according to the draft rules. Channels going off air for more than 60 consecutive days must notify the government and provide an explanation of the reasons, they added. Their authorisation can lapse if operations remain suspended for over 90 continuous days.

Private FM stations would need to broadcast at least an hour of programmes of “social relevance” while ensuring that at least 20% of their daily content is locally produced.

The rules state that private radio services must remain free-to-air, emphasising they cannot charge listeners for access.

The draft rules propose an authorisation period of 10 years for television channels, teleports, television news agencies and community radio services, 15 years for private FM radio operators, and 20 years for television channel distribution services.

The draft rules state that the entities that already hold internet service authorisations or multi-system operator registrations would be able to offer IPTV services after they file a declaration with the government, thus simplifying their market entry.

IPTV enables the delivery of television content over internet protocol networks instead of transmitting over traditional terrestrial, satellite, or cable television formats.

Significantly, the rules mandate broadcasters to disclose information related to “landing-page placements” to both the government and television ratings agencies.

Other compliance-related requirements include preservation of recordings of programmes and advertisements for 90 days by broadcasters and furnishing them to authorities when requested. The rules also state that any ownership switch that leads to key management changes would need government approval in advance.

The rules mandate that broadcasters, key managerial personnel and governing body members would need security clearance till the time their authorisations are valid.

Foreign personnel involved in installation, maintenance or operation of broadcasting networks would also need security clearance before deployment.