Government Prepares National Mass Communication Bill to Modernize Sector
Summary
The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has made public a concept paper for a National Mass Communication Bill aimed at creating a single integrated law for newspapers, broadcasting, online media, and working journalists. The proposed legislation would replace several existing acts and add a legal framework for digital publishing, OTT services, and media regulation.
Key Points
- The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has begun preparing a National Mass Communication Bill and plans to register it in parliament within the current financial year.
- The proposed law would replace the Press and Publication Related Act, the National Broadcasting Act, and the Working Journalists Act with a single umbrella framework.
- It aims to strengthen press freedom, improve accountability and governance in the media sector, and secure the rights and facilities of working journalists.
- The bill would also address online media, OTT services, broadcasting regulation, and journalist welfare through provisions on licensing, penalties, and appeals.
