Explained: New Broadcasting Bill 2024 and its impact on digital creators

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has drafted the Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2024, which will replace the Television Network Act of 1995. Reports indicate that the Bill will classify influencers and social media pages that produce content or discuss current affairs or news online as ‘digital news broadcasters’.

What is the Broadcasting Bill?

The draft Bill, shared with stakeholders a few weeks ago, extends its scope beyond over-the-top (OTT) content and digital news to include social media accounts and online video creators, expanding on a version of the draft law released in November 2023. The new version broadly defines ‘digital news broadcaster’, requiring prior registration with the government and establishing content evaluation standards.