New Delhi: The government’s ongoing review of India’s media regulatory framework has entered its next phase, with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) inviting stakeholders to submit detailed comments on the existing regulatory regime governing digital news publishers as well as proposed legislative provisions following a high-level consultation convened by NITI Aayog.
The consultation, held under NITI Aayog’s broader Jan Vishwas Siddhant initiative to simplify and rationalise regulations across sectors, brought together representatives from television broadcasting, print, digital news, radio, cable distribution, DTH and industry associations to discuss the future regulatory framework for India’s evolving media ecosystem.
According to sources, the Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA) participated in the meeting and highlighted several issues affecting digital news publishers before officials from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Representing the DNPA at the consultation were Anil Malhotra from Zee Media, Sanjay Sindhwani from The Indian Express Online, and Sujata Gupta on behalf of the association.
As a follow-up to the discussions, the MIB has sought comprehensive written feedback from stakeholders on the current regulatory framework and the proposed legislative provisions. Sources indicated that the DNPA is currently preparing a consolidated representation incorporating inputs from its member publishers.
AI platforms under regulatory spotlight
One of the key themes that emerged during the consultation was the growing influence of artificial intelligence and large digital platforms on news consumption and distribution.
Industry representatives urged policymakers to examine the accountability of AI companies and major digital platforms while exploring a revenue-sharing mechanism for the use and dissemination of professionally produced news content.
According to participants, publishers argued that traditional media organisations continue to operate under licensing conditions, content regulations, reporting obligations and structured grievance-redressal mechanisms, whereas large technology companies increasingly influence news discovery without being subject to comparable regulatory oversight.
“Digital platforms are essentially ruling the media ecosystem now without the same level of transparency, accountability or regulatory scrutiny,” sources familiar with the discussions said.
Publishers raise concerns over AI-generated news responses
Representatives also expressed concerns over the rapid adoption of generative AI platforms, including services offered by companies such as Google and OpenAI, noting that AI assistants are increasingly providing direct answers to users’ news-related queries instead of directing them to original publisher websites.
According to industry participants, this shift has the potential to reduce audience traffic, weaken digital advertising revenues and affect the commercial sustainability of organisations investing in original journalism.
“AI platforms are increasingly answering users’ questions directly. The concern raised was what happens to the original publisher that created the news. There is currently no mechanism for revenue sharing with the organisation that produced the information,” a source familiar with the deliberations said.
Publishers further argued that while digital and AI companies increasingly perform functions similar to media organisations by curating, summarising and distributing news content, they are not subject to the same regulatory responsibilities applicable to television broadcasters, print publishers and radio networks.
Industry representatives therefore called for a policy framework that addresses both platform accountability and equitable commercial arrangements for the use of journalistic content.
Regulatory parity and compliance simplification
Apart from AI-related concerns, the consultation also examined broader questions around the regulation of digital news publishers.
According to sources, discussions explored whether existing obligations imposed on digital media are proportionate across publishers of different sizes, the effectiveness of the current three-tier grievance redressal framework, and opportunities to reduce overlapping compliance requirements arising from multiple laws and regulations.
The review forms part of NITI Aayog’s wider exercise to assess the regulatory architecture governing print media, films, television broadcasting, radio, cable television networks, satellite distribution and digital media, with the objective of simplifying regulations while improving ease of doing business.
Industry asked to submit detailed representations
Following the consultation, NITI Aayog has requested publishers and industry bodies to submit detailed written representations outlining their concerns, supporting evidence and recommendations for policy reforms.
“NITI Aayog has asked the industry to provide written submissions and engage further with its team. The representations will be examined before recommendations are formulated,” a source said.
While NITI Aayog can recommend policy changes, any legislative or regulatory action arising from the exercise would require consideration by the relevant ministries, including the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
The consultation witnessed participation from major industry bodies representing broadcasters, publishers and distribution platforms, including the News Broadcasters Federation (NBF), News Broadcasters and Digital Association (NBDA), Indian Broadcasting and Digital Foundation (IBDF), All India Digital Cable Federation (AIDCF), alongside representatives from television, print, digital news, radio, cable and DTH sectors.
The latest round of consultations signals the government’s intent to engage industry stakeholders before determining the future regulatory framework for India’s rapidly evolving media and digital news landscape, particularly as artificial intelligence reshapes how news is discovered, consumed and monetised.
