MAM
Press Bodies raise concerns over IT rules, call for wider consultation
Journalists flag free speech risks and compliance burden on independent creators
NEW DELHI: A coalition of leading media organisations has called on the government to withdraw the draft amendments to the Information Technology Rules, raising concerns over their impact on press freedom.
At a meeting held at the Press Club of India, representatives from six journalist bodies, including the Press Club of India, DIGIPUB, and the Editors’ Guild of India, criticised the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) for introducing provisions they say expand executive control over digital content.
The groups said the proposed framework gives the government broad powers to order content takedowns under Rule 3(4), creating an imbalance between regulators and publishers.
They also highlighted the potential impact on independent journalists, podcasters, and newsletter writers. According to the organisations, compliance requirements under the draft rules could impose high costs, making it difficult for smaller creators to operate.
Another key concern is the reduction in the content takedown timeline from 36 hours to three hours. The bodies said this change could undermine safeguards linked to intermediary liability and runs counter to principles upheld by the Supreme Court of India.
The coalition has sought the removal or review of several provisions, including:
Sahyog Portal: Criticised for lacking clear legal backing and procedural safeguards
Rule 16: Raises concerns over content blocking without sufficient accountability
Delegated Powers: Opposed for allowing multiple agencies to block content outside established legal processes
The organisations also called for wider consultation with media bodies before finalising rules that affect freedom of speech under Article 19(1)(a).
They said they will raise the issue with Members of Parliament to seek changes to the draft rules.
Brands
Radio City names Brijesh Magoo as national brand solutions head
Former Ishq FM programming lead to drive creative and revenue strategy
MUMBAI: Radio City India has appointed Brijesh Magoo as national head for brand solutions, strengthening its creative and content-led offerings as it looks to deepen advertiser engagement.
Magoo steps into the role after a brief stint as consultant for creative solutions at Radio City, where he worked on shaping integrated brand propositions. In his new position, he will lead the network’s creative solutions arm, focusing on building branded content, driving revenue opportunities and enhancing client partnerships.
He brings with him over a decade of experience across radio programming, content strategy and creative leadership. Most recently, he served as national programming head at Ishq 104.8 FM, where he led content strategy and programming initiatives at a national level.
During his time with Ishq FM, Magoo held multiple leadership roles, including national creative lead and head of programming, as well as programming head for Mumbai. His work spanned content development, audience engagement and format innovation, helping shape the station’s identity in a competitive radio landscape.
Prior to this, he spent six years at Red FM, rising from executive producer to assistant programming head, where he honed his skills in creative direction and on-air content strategy. He also had a brief stint as head of copy at Jack in the Box Worldwide, adding an agency perspective to his portfolio.
Magoo is an alumnus of Mudra Institute of Communications Ahmedabad, where he specialised in creative communications, and holds a degree in management studies from University of Mumbai.
His appointment signals Radio City’s continued focus on content-driven brand solutions, where storytelling and advertising increasingly go hand in hand. As audio platforms evolve beyond traditional broadcasting, Magoo’s blend of programming and creative expertise could help the network tune into new growth frequencies.
