A parliamentary committee has proposed the establishment of a unified Media Council to regulate print, broadcast, and digital media in India. This recommendation aims to enhance coordination and enforcement of media laws amid the evolving technological landscape.

The Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology submitted its Eleventh Report to the Lok Sabha, focusing on the Demands for Grants for the financial year 2025-26 concerning the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB). The report emphasizes the need for a comprehensive regulatory framework that can effectively oversee various media formats under one umbrella.

One of the key recommendations is to merge the MIB with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). This consolidation aims to address regulatory challenges stemming from technological convergence, ensuring that all media formats are governed by consistent standards and practices.

The committee’s recommendations come in conjunction with discussions surrounding the Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, which seeks to extend regulatory oversight to over-the-top (OTT) platforms and digital news services. Currently, these platforms are regulated under the IT Rules, 2021, which have faced legal scrutiny and challenges from various stakeholders.
The MIB is working on refining this bill based on stakeholder feedback, emphasizing the importance of adapting to technological advancements while ensuring robust governance.

If established, the Media Council would be empowered to issue mandatory takedown notices for unlawful content and impose financial penalties for violations. The council would also develop content codes and complaint mechanisms tailored for digital news platforms, enhancing accountability within the industry.
While intended as an independent entity, there are discussions about retaining emergency blocking powers for national security or public order issues. This would allow the government to act swiftly in critical situations while maintaining oversight over media content.

In addition to regulating news content, there are proposals to extend oversight to non-news content on OTT platforms and social media accounts with significant followings. The government is considering whether existing programming codes should apply or if new platform-specific guidelines should be created.
This move reflects a growing recognition of the need for comprehensive regulation in an increasingly digital media landscape. An inter-departmental committee would make final decisions regarding emergency blocking powers for non-news content.

The push for a unified regulatory framework has sparked discussions among various stakeholders in the media industry. While some advocate for streamlined regulations that adapt to technological changes, others express concerns about potential overreach and loss of creative freedom.
As these discussions unfold, it is clear that regulatory convergence will play a crucial role in shaping the future of India’s media landscape.

The parliamentary committee’s call for a unified Media Council represents a significant step towards modernizing India’s media regulations. By consolidating oversight across different formats and addressing emerging challenges posed by technology, this initiative aims to foster a more cohesive and accountable media environment.

Credit: This article is based on information from Storyboard18, Economic Times, Financial Express, Hindustan Times, and Medianama.

Key Highlights:

• A parliamentary committee recommends creating a unified Media Council to regulate print, broadcast, and digital media.
• The proposal includes merging MIB with MeitY and DoT to address regulatory complexities.
• The Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill aims to bring OTT platforms under MIB’s purview.
• The Media Council would have powers to issue takedown notices and impose penalties for violations.