MIB debunks viral claims over draft broadcasting rules

MUMBAI: Looks like the biggest broadcast this week wasn’t on television, it was on social media. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has dismissed viral claims that the Centre’s proposed Telecommunications (Television, Radio and Associated Services) Rules, 2026 would shut down television services, sharply increase cable and DTH subscription charges, or trigger widespread job losses across the broadcasting industry.

The clarification follows the circulation of a social media post alleging that the draft rules would force “11 crore TVs” to stop functioning, impose hefty licence fees on broadcasters and push cable and DTH subscription costs up by four to six times.

Labelling the claims as fake, PIB Fact Check said the government has not introduced any rule that would increase television subscription charges or lead to the closure of TV services. It also clarified that the proposed rules are still in the public consultation stage and have not been notified.

According to the government’s fact-checking unit, the draft contains no provision to increase fees payable by broadcasters or distribution platform operators. It also rejected claims that the proposals would eliminate DTH and cable television services or result in the loss of millions of jobs.

The ministry said the draft rules have been framed under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, which replaced the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885. While the Act governs a broad range of telecommunications services, the MIB administers provisions relating specifically to television, radio and associated broadcasting services.

Rather than creating an entirely new regulatory framework, the draft seeks to consolidate several existing broadcasting guidelines into a single rulebook. These include policies governing satellite television uplinking and downlinking, Direct-to-Home (DTH) broadcasting, Headend-in-the-Sky (HITS) services, private FM radio, community radio stations and Internet Protocol Television (IPTV).

According to the ministry, the objective is to simplify regulation and improve the ease of doing business for broadcasters. Among the proposed reforms are a single regulatory framework replacing multiple guidelines, digital processing of authorisations, simplified approval procedures, the removal of the requirement to sign Grant of Permission Agreements (GOPA) and the introduction of a transparent adjudication mechanism.

The ministry added that the proposals largely harmonise existing authorisation conditions while preserving regulatory continuity. Once notified, the new rules would replace the multiple guidelines that currently govern television and radio broadcasting services.

The draft Telecommunications (Television, Radio and Associated Services) Rules, 2026 were published on 12 June and are available on the ministry’s website for public and inter-ministerial consultation. Stakeholders have been invited to submit comments and suggestions by 27 July 2026.

Reiterating its position, the government said the draft rules are intended to modernise and streamline India’s broadcasting regulatory framework and do not propose any increase in licence fees, cable or DTH subscription charges, or the shutdown of television services, contrary to the claims circulating on social media.

A social media post claims that the @MIB_India's new draft rules will force 11 crore TVs to shut down, increase cable and DTH charges 4 to 6 times, impose heavy licensing fees, and destroy millions of jobs.#PIBFactCheck

❌ This claim is FAKE. The Union Government has NOT… pic.twitter.com/aAdsGOdVQf

— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) July 20, 2026