The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has issued the “Guidelines for Uplinking and Downlinking of Television Channels in India, 2022” on 09.11.2022. The Guidelines, among other things, require private broadcasters to undertake public service broadcasting for 30 minutes every day. In this regard, the Ministry undertook extensive consultations with the private satellite TV channel Broadcasters and their Associations and based on their inputs, an “Advisory” was issued on 30.01.2023.
Through the “Advisory”, the Ministry has clarified that the relevant content embedded in the programmes being telecast can be accounted for by Public Service Broadcasting. It is also clarified that the content need not be of 30 minutes at a stretch and could be spread over smaller time slots and requires the broadcaster to submit a monthly report online on the Broadcast Seva Portal.
The theme for the broadcasting should comprise of content of national importance and of social relevance, including education and literacy promotion, agriculture and rural development, health and family welfare, science and technology, women’s welfare, support for marginalized groups, protection of the environment and cultural heritage, and promoting national integration.
Broadcasters have the liberty to modulate their content. The relevant content embedded in the programmes may be accounted for Public Service Broadcasting. However, it should be done in a manner that the overall objective of the Public Service Broadcasting may be achieved.
The content can be shared between the Broadcasters and could be repeated telecast on one/ several TV channels.
A common e-Platform may be developed as a repository of relevant videos or textual content from various sources for the purpose of Public Service Broadcasting, which may be accessed and used by TV Channels.
The “Advisory” seeks to achieve the objective of Public Service Broadcasting by private satellite TV channels through voluntary compliance and self-certification.
