Broadcast Bill put on backburner

The Information Broadcasting Ministry8217;s high-priority project of getting the Broadcasting Bill...

The Information 038; Broadcasting Ministry8217;s high-priority project of getting the Broadcasting Bill through seems to have run into rough weather. Ministry officials said the controversial Bill has been put on the backburner with the broadcasting industry taking its own time to formulate a self-regulatory code.

8220;Though on the Government8217;s priority list, the Bill has been delayed. After the industry opposed the Bill, they were asked to help formulate a self-regulatory content code. Now, they have told us it will take them at least a year to come up with a code agreeable to all in the industry. The Government is also seized by far more important matter,8221; a senior I038;B Ministry official said.

Replying to a query in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday, I038;B Minister P R Dasmunsi said the Government was working towards finalising the draft in close consultation with various stakeholders and state governments. 8220;TV channels are autonomous and there is no proposal to curb their autonomy,8221; he added. The ministry is also said to be redrafting the controversial Bill in the light of stiff opposition from the broadcasting industry and also actively considering the plan to increase FDI in the cable segment. The new draft will minimise 8216;regulatory8217; aspects of the Bill, I038;B Secretary Asha Swarup had said recently.

However, the News Broadcasters8217; Association NBA, which came together to oppose the ministry8217;s move to impose the Bill, claimed they were not delaying the Bill.

8220;There has been some headway on the code. The process has started and we are at it, but we can8217;t specify a time frame,8221; said NBA spokesperson Annie Joseph. The industry is unhappy with the 8216;regulatory clauses8217; appended to the draft Bill. It maintains that an overarching regulatory authority is imperative to protect consumer interests.