In response to rising complaints about Over-The-Prime (OTT) platforms, the Indian authorities is drafting a brand new broadcast coverage aimed toward regulating their content material. Minister of State for Data and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, L. Murugan, introduced on Wednesday that the ministry is evaluating trade suggestions and public enter to refine its strategy earlier than formally introducing the coverage in Parliament. The revision follows considerations that OTT companies are usually not adhering to present self-regulatory pointers. Minister Murugan famous that whereas these platforms have launched measures reminiscent of viewer age classifications and content material advisories, the effectiveness and consistency of those self-regulation practices have been questioned by each the general public and trade insiders.
OTT Self-Regulation and Complaints
At present, OTT companies show disclaimers, tagging content material for mature audiences or advising parental steering when mandatory. These classifications intend to assist viewers make knowledgeable selections. Murugan highlighted that regardless of these steps, a big variety of complaints have been acquired. Complainants level out that these platforms typically fail to comply with the rules constantly. Consequently, the Ministry has taken steps to set up a structured coverage framework for regulating on-line content material, now inviting public and trade suggestions to make sure it displays broad stakeholder consensus.
Personal FM Radio Information Broadcasting Beneath Consideration
The federal government is exploring choices to allow non-public FM channels to broadcast information bulletins, doubtlessly extending past the state-run All India Radio. The Minister shared that complete consultations are ongoing with related stakeholders to guage the impression and feasibility of this transfer. The choice will likely be made after assessing the viewpoints gathered from trade representatives.
FM Radio Enlargement Plan Underway
The Ministry can be progressing with plans to extend the attain of FM radio by auctioning licenses for 730 new non-public FM channels in 234 cities throughout India. Joint Secretary Sanjiv Shankar, current at an outreach programme in Chennai, knowledgeable attendees that the brand new licences would cowl cities and cities throughout states, together with Tamil Nadu, with a pre-bid assembly scheduled in Delhi later this month.
