📡 CENTRE RELEASES DRAFT UNIFIED BROADCASTING RULES, 2026
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has issued the Draft Unified Broadcasting Rules, 2026, proposing a single regulatory framework for television, radio, DTH, IPTV, and other broadcasting platforms.
📌 The rules aim to replace multiple fragmented regulations with a modern and unified broadcasting governance architecture.
📌 The framework has been formulated under the broader provisions of the Telecommunications Act, promoting regulatory simplification and ease of doing business.
📌 It introduces a fully digital authorization system, eliminating traditional paper-based approval mechanisms such as the Grant of Permission Agreement (GOPA).
📌 The draft mandates Public Service Obligations (PSO) requiring television channels to broadcast at least 30 minutes per day and radio stations 1 hour per day of content related to national and social importance.
📌 The reforms seek to improve transparency, reduce compliance burdens, and streamline interactions between broadcasters and the government.
📌 The framework is expected to strengthen media governance while ensuring wider dissemination of public welfare information.
🎯 UPSC/RAS Relevance:
• Telecommunications Act
• Media Governance
• Broadcasting Regulation
• Public Service Obligations (PSO)
• Digital Governance
• Ease of Doing Business
💡 Prelims Fact:
Under the Draft Unified Broadcasting Rules, 2026, television broadcasters may be required to allocate 30 minutes daily, while radio broadcasters may allocate 1 hour daily, for Public Service Obligation content.
📝 Mains Angle:
"Examine how the Draft Unified Broadcasting Rules, 2026 seek to balance ease of doing business, digital governance, and the state's objective of promoting public service broadcasting."
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