Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
The Sports Broadcasting Signals (Mandatory Sharing with Prasar Bharati) Act, 2007, is a significant law that mandates the sharing of sports broadcasting signals of national importance with Prasar Bharati, India’s public broadcaster. This Act aims to provide access to these events to the largest possible audience on a free-to-air basis, ensuring that citizens across the country can enjoy sporting events of national significance.
1: Act Background and ministry under which this act is:
The Sports Broadcasting Signals (Mandatory Sharing with Prasar Bharati) Act, 2007, was enacted to provide access to sporting events of national importance to the largest number of listeners and viewers on a free-to-air basis. This act falls under the purview of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India.
2: Enactment date, number of chapters, number of sections:
The Act was enacted on 19th March 2007. It is divided into four chapters and consists of 10 sections.
3: Act Governed By:
The Act is primarily governed by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, which issues guidelines and oversees its implementation. The Prasar Bharati is also a key stakeholder, as it is the recipient of the mandatory shared signals. The Act impacts all broadcasters and content rights owners involved in broadcasting sporting events of national importance.
4: On Whom it is applicable:
This Act applies to all content rights owners, holders, and television or radio broadcasting service providers in India. It mandates that these entities share live broadcasting signals of sporting events of national importance with Prasar Bharati. The Act also applies to Prasar Bharati, as it is the recipient of these shared signals.
5: Penalties/Punishments:
The Act empowers the Central Government to specify penalties for violations, which may include:
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Suspension or revocation of license, permission, or registration.
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Imposition of a pecuniary penalty, which shall not exceed one crore rupees.
These penalties are intended to ensure compliance with the mandatory sharing provisions of the Act.
6: Important Pointers:
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The Act mandates the sharing of live sports broadcasting signals with Prasar Bharati.
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It aims to provide free-to-air access to sporting events of national importance.
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It specifies a revenue-sharing ratio between content rights owners and Prasar Bharati.
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The Act empowers the Central Government to issue guidelines and impose penalties for violations.
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It ensures that a significant portion of the revenue generated by Prasar Bharati is used for broadcasting other sporting events.
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The Act applies to both television and radio broadcasts.
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It seeks to balance the interests of commercial broadcasters with the public’s right to access sporting events.
7: Act Copy: