Indian Government Unveils Balanced Media Regulations for OTT Platforms and FM Radio Expansion: Key Updates

The Indian government is taking steps to regulate content on over-the-top (OTT) platforms, driven by a growing number of public complaints about inappropriate material. The Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, L. Murugan, announced plans to draft a new broadcasting policy. According to the minister, the government is currently gathering feedback from industry experts, stakeholders, and the public to shape the framework for these regulations.

The Proposed policy seeks to strike a balance between creative freedom and responsible broadcasting. However, Murugan noted that existing self-regulatory measures are often ignored, prompting the need for a more structured approach.

A collaborative process, engaging various stakeholders to develop a robust policy. Input from viewers, industry players, and regulatory bodies will be essential to create a system that protects audiences while allowing over-the-top platforms to flourish creatively. This initiative reflects the government’s broader objective of ensuring accountability in the digital entertainment space.

Expanding FM Radio Services Alongside OTT Regulation

One notable proposal under consideration is allowing private FM radio stations to broadcast news bulletins. Currently, news broadcasting is limited to state-run All India Radio. Opening this space to private channels could diversify news sources and provide listeners with a wide range of perspectives.

The Minister of State highlighted ongoing discussions with relevant stakeholders to evaluate the potential impact of this change. By including private pliers in news broadcasting, the government aims to enhance the reach and variety of news content available to the public.

As part of its broader efforts to expand FM radio services, the government plans to auction licenses for 730 new private FM radio stations across 234 cities. The expansion is expected to increase FM radio coverage, particularly in smaller towns and rural areas. Joint Secretary Sanjiv Shankar noted that this initiative includes cities in Tamil Nadu and other regions, with a pre-bid meeting scheduled for later this month.

A step toward Balanced Media Regulation

The government aims to implement fair and effective policies through collaboration with industry stakeholders and public consultations. This initiative is expected to set new benchmarks for content safety, diversity, and accessibility, ensuring that India's media ecosystem continues to evolve responsibly.

To ensure the effectiveness of these initiatives, the government plans to integrate advanced technology in monitoring and regulation. Transparency, collaboration, and inclusivity are central to these efforts, aiming to establish India’s media ecosystem as a global benchmark for innovation and responsibility. This dual approach underscores a vision of media that respects audience needs while encouraging a vibrant, accountable, and accessible digital and broadcast environment.