New Delhi: A private member’s Bill seeking the establishment of an independent authority for regulating and licensing media services has been cleared for consideration by the Rajya Sabha, according to a bulletin from the House. The Indian Media Services (Regulation and Licensing) Bill, 2024, introduced by CPI(M) Member of Parliament V Sivadasan, aims to create an autonomous body called the Indian Board of Media Services to oversee media operations, ensuring a free and independent media landscape in the country.
The Bill, which emphasizes the development of a neutral and impartial media environment, seeks to remove the monopolistic control over media licensing by the Executive, which, according to the Bill’s supporters, often leads to a “pliant media.” Sivadasan argues that such control undermines the media’s role in a healthy democracy, as journalists may refrain from criticizing the government due to fears of legal repercussions. By proposing an independent body to issue and revoke media licenses, the Bill aims to ensure the fair functioning of media services in the country.
Key Provisions of the Bill:
- The Indian Board of Media Services would be established within six months of the Act’s commencement, tasked with regulating and licensing media services.
- The Bill proposes an autonomous, government-funded body to ensure financial independence and operational autonomy in managing media licensing and regulation.
- The central government would provide financial support to the Board through grants authorized by Parliament.
The Bill has now received the president’s recommendation for consideration by the Rajya Sabha, following approval from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Private members’ Bills involving expenditure from the exchequer require presidential approval, and in this case, the recommendation has been communicated to the Rajya Sabha secretary-general by the Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
Importance for Media Freedom: Sivadasan has stressed that independent media plays a critical role in democratic governance by disseminating unbiased news and information. The Bill’s objective is to correct the current system where licensing powers are concentrated within the Executive, potentially stifling dissent and press freedom.
This move towards an independent regulatory body could reshape the media landscape in India, ensuring that media outlets can operate without undue interference, safeguarding the principle of a free press in a democratic society. The consideration of the Bill in Rajya Sabha marks a significant step in the ongoing debate about media regulation and its role in fostering transparency and accountability in Indian democracy.
