The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) on Friday issued draft rules to bring TV channels, radio stations, DTH operators and other streaming services under a single regulatory framework.
The Draft Telecommunications (Television, Radio and Allied Services) Rules 2026 seeks to replace multiple sets of guidelines and permissions with a unified rulebook under the Communications Act 2023.
According to the ministry, the proposed rules consolidate six existing policy frameworks covering TV channels, DTH services, Headend-in-the-Sky (HITS) operators, private FM radio, community radio and IPTV services into one set of regulations.
The draft has been placed in the public domain for consultation, and comments can be submitted until 27 July.
An MIB official told HT that the aim was to create a simpler and more predictable system for broadcasters.
“The focus is on simplifying and facilitating doing business. Six guidelines are to be replaced by one harmonized set of rules. The Grant of Permission Agreement (GoPA) has been scrapped. Timelines, fee structures and approval methods have become easier,” the official said.
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The draft rules also retain a long-standing requirement that private broadcasters allocate airtime to public interest programming. TV channels will continue to be required to broadcast at least 30 minutes of content every day on topics such as education, health, agriculture, science, environmental protection and national integration.
The obligation was first introduced through the 2022 Uplink and Downlink Guidelines and was later operationalized through the MIB Advisory issued in January 2023, which directed channels to report compliance on a monthly basis.
Likewise, private FM radio stations will continue to be required to broadcast at least one hour of programming each day on topics of national importance and social importance. The draft rules also require radio stations to ensure that at least 20% of their daily programming consists of local content.
Among the key provisions, TV channels, DTH operators, teleports and community radio stations will get licenses valid for 10 years, while TV distribution services like DTH and HITS will have a validity period of 20 years. Private FM radio licenses will remain valid for 15 years.
The draft also stipulates that broadcasters seeking renewal must adhere to programming and advertising rules, and must not commit more than five violations during the license period. Any change in ownership that leads to a change in control or management requires prior approval from the government.
The rules also require broadcasters to notify the government of changes in shareholding, foreign investment and key management personnel, while entities in sensitive sectors such as news broadcasting will remain subject to security clearance requirements.
