‘News influencers’ classified as ‘broadcasters’ in new draft of broadcasting bill: HT

Those who routinely post videos, make podcasts or write about news or current affairs online could be classified as “digital news broadcasters”, as per the latest second draft of the broadcasting bill, Hindustan Times reported.

Besides proposing to bring content creators under its ambit, the new draft of the Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2024 also defines “news and current affairs programmes” to include “texts” apart from “audio, visual or audio-visual content, sign, signals, writing, images” which are “transmitted directly or using a broadcasting network”.

The revised definitions of ‘programme’ and ‘broadcasting’ also include “texts” and “textual programmes”, respectively. Thus, all news and news-related content on social media – videos, commentary, websites, newsletters, and podcasts – will be covered by the bill.

The broadcasting bill, first introduced in November last year, is likely to replace the Cable Television Networks Act of 1995. It has been under scrutiny for proposing to give ‘inordinate powers’ to the government to control the news media.

Newslaundry earlier reported that journalist bodies have raised concerns over the bill “irreparably damaging free speech”. How will the bill, if passed, affect news platforms? Watch the explainer.

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