Parliament proceedings | Any theme of national importance/social relevance qualifies for obligation of public service broadcasting: I&B Minister

Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur on Thursday said any theme which was of national importance and social relevance would qualify for the “Obligation for Public Service Broadcasting” under the new guidelines for Uplinking and Downlinking of Television Channels in India. In a written reply to the question from Rajya Sabha Member Jawahar Sircar, the Minister said the obligation of public service broadcasting was introduced as per the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India recommendation, with the objective to spread greater awareness on the themes of national importance and of social relevance in public interest. “A company/LLP having permission under these guidelines for uplinking a channel and its downlinking in India may undertake public service broadcasting for a minimum period of 30 minutes in a day on themes of national importance and of social relevance.,” said the reply. With regards to the condition of a minimum 30-minute broadcasting in a day on themes of national importance and social relevance, the Minister said the decision was taken in public interest.