What kind of content can be shown on television under ‘national jurisdiction’? | Tech Reddy

According to new guidelines issued on Wednesday, Indian television channels will have to “comply” with the Union government’s advice from time to time to “broadcast content in the national interest” and air programs on topics of “high national importance and national importance”. of social importance” for at least 30 minutes every day.

‘Guidelines for Increasing and Decreasing Satellite TV Channels in India by 2022’ has been revised after a gap of 11 years.

Under the ‘Public Service Broadcasting Obligation’ section, the government has stated that airwaves are “public property” and therefore “must be used appropriately by the public”.

Also Read | Now, television channels broadcast 30 minutes of ‘national interest’ content every day

Although, the Center has not specified what exactly it classifies as a ‘topic of national interest’, it has mentioned certain topics respectively.

The guidelines identified the following eight areas:

– Literacy education and dissemination
– Agriculture and rural development
– Health and well-being of the family
– Science and technology
– Women’s welfare
– Welfare of the weaker sections of society
– Protection of the environment and cultural heritage
– National Integration

A company or LLP that has permission to use the channel will have to make public service broadcasts on the above-mentioned topics. The new guidelines exempt channels such as sports channels where this is not possible.

The guidelines for Uplinking and Downlinking Satellite Television were first introduced in 2005 and updated in 2011. The new amendments come 11 years later.

As early as 2008, TRAI recommended against public service broadcasting. In its discussion, it said, “Private broadcasters in India are mature enough and well aware of their responsibilities towards public service broadcasting and programmes. Therefore, there is no substance in the argument that only by allowing the Union Government/States and their institutions in the broadcasting sector will this sector see adequate public service broadcasting.”