Parliamentary panel to review media laws across print, TV and digital platforms
The parliamentary panel on Communications and IT will examine the implementation of laws governing print, television and digital media as part of its 2026-27 review of the Information and Broadcasting Ministry. Its agenda also covers OTT platforms, Prasar Bharati, film regulation and television rati…
New Delhi: The implementation of laws governing all forms of media, including print, television and digital platforms, will be the central focus of the Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology during its 2026-27 review of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The committee has selected 12 subjects relating to the ministry for examination, according to a Lok Sabha bulletin issued on October 28. The agenda also covers the functioning of Prasar Bharati, the film industry, OTT platforms, digital and social media, television rating mechanisms, and regulatory issues concerning the Pay-TV subscriber base, which has been shrinking amid viewers' migration to digital platforms and concerns over regulatory burdens.
The proposed review comes amid the convergence of traditional broadcasting and digital platforms, raising questions about regulatory overlaps, accountability, and the enforcement of existing laws across media formats. The idea of a common regulatory framework has figured in the committee's deliberations before. In its Eleventh Report on the ministry's Demands for Grants for 2025-26, presented in March 2025, the panel recommended that the government explore the feasibility of a comprehensive Media Bill and a Media Council covering print, broadcasting and digital media under one umbrella.
It also suggested seeking inputs from related ministries and organisations, including the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), to improve coordination and implementation of laws. The Press Council of India (PCI) has also supported the idea. In its 2021 annual report, the council recommended a single legislation covering newspapers, periodicals, e-newspapers, news portals, social media, television and radio, arguing that a mechanism parallel to the existing watchdog for print media was needed for the broader media landscape.
In its 28th Report, presented in August 2026, the committee highlighted the division of regulatory responsibilities between the Information and Broadcasting Ministry and MeitY. MIB administers Part III of the Information Technology Rules, 2021, covering digital news publishers and OTT platforms, while MeitY oversees intermediaries under Part II.The report noted that the Bombay High Court had stayed Rule 9(1), concerning adherence to the Code of Ethics, and Rule 9(3), relating to the three-tier grievance redress mechanism.
The panel called for better coordination between the ministries and sought updates on proposed changes to the regulatory framework.
Source: ET Companies
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