REGULATORY MECHANISM OF TELEVISION BROADCASTING IN INDIA

Television broadcasting has a powerful influence on society. Therefore, it requires rules to ensure that broadcasting is conducted in a responsible, lawful and ethical manner.

India's television sector is regulated through a combination of:

• Laws
• Government rules
• Regulatory bodies
• Self-regulation
• Industry codes

1. Ministry of Information and Broadcasting: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) is the central government ministry responsible for several aspects of broadcasting policy and regulation.

It deals with matters relating to:

• Television broadcasting
• Private satellite television channels
• Cable television
• Broadcasting permissions
• Programme and advertising standards

2. Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995: The Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 is an important law governing cable television in India.

It provides a legal framework for cable television operators and includes provisions concerning programme and advertising standards.

Importance: It helps regulate:

• Content broadcast through cable networks
• Programme standards
• Advertising standards
• Registration and operation of cable networks

3. Programme Code: Television broadcasters are required to follow the Programme Code under the relevant broadcasting framework.

The purpose is to prevent content that may:

• Promote violence
• Encourage hatred between communities
• Threaten national security
• Contain objectionable or harmful material
• Promote social discrimination

The Programme Code is intended to encourage responsible broadcasting.

4. Advertising Code: Television advertising is also subject to an Advertising Code. Advertisements should not contain content that is:

• Misleading
• Obscene
• Harmful
• Offensive
• Against public morality
• In violation of applicable laws

For example, advertisements should not make false claims about a product's benefits.

5. News Broadcasting Standards: News broadcasters are expected to follow professional and ethical standards relating to:

• Accuracy
• Fairness
• Impartiality
• Verification
• Responsible reporting

This is particularly important because television news can influence public opinion quickly.

6. Self-Regulation: The television industry also uses mechanisms of self-regulation.

Industry organisations and broadcaster-led bodies have developed codes and mechanisms for handling complaints.

This allows broadcasters to address concerns without relying entirely on direct government intervention.

7. OTT and Digital Broadcasting: The rise of streaming platforms has expanded the regulatory discussion beyond traditional television.

Digital media and OTT services are governed under India's evolving framework for digital media, including the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021, as amended.

This reflects the changing nature of broadcasting, where television, streaming and online video increasingly overlap.