The release of the second redraft of the new broadcast bill in a secretive way led to questions about the freedom of digital media. According to sources, the redraft has some changes in it. These changes are pointing out the increasing control of the government upon digital media. If the bills pass successfully, there will be 10 regulations on digital media that it needs to follow. Not following the rules and regulations will lead to fines and jail also.
Will Broadcast Bill Take Away The Freedom Of Speech?
The new broadcast bill will put some rules and regulations on the digital creators who are working on the current trends or digital news broadcasts. The second redraft after the elections is focusing more on the rules of digital media. As the television media is already under the control of the Modi government, the digital media is the only place left where questions are raised on the topics of concern. Let us have a look at the definition of news broadcasters that are the target of this new bill.
The definition goes as, The new draft defines ‘professional’ as a person engaged in an occupation or vocation and ‘systematic activity’ as ‘any structured or organised activity that involves an element of planning, method, continuity or persistence’. Thus, “news and current affairs programmes” in the new draft will include texts, apart from the existing “audio, visual or audio-visual content, sign signals, writing, images” which are transmitted directly or using a broadcasting net work.
Thus, the small content creators who now create content according to their freedom will now have to follow regulations before making the content on current trends. Apart from that, there will also be regulations on big OTT players such as Netflix and Amazon Prime. Thus, the content must follow the regulations. It must be suitable for the audience to watch. Many people are concerned about India moving towards a dictatorship. According to several creators, the restrictions will take away the freedom of speech. India is a democratic country. However, the democracy cannot allow such bills to pass.
Another question arises regarding the reasons behind keeping the second redraft secretive. Thus, the assumption is that the government is moving towards the dictatorship. There will also be action against the creators against whom the viewers file complaints. They will have to answer for the reasons behind their action. Otherwise, the government will receive the complaint.