Guidelines for Uplinking and Downlinking of Television Channels in India, 2022

Subject: Polity

Context:

Recently, the Union Cabinet has approved the new guidelines for the up-linking and downlinking of television channels in India.

What is the highlights of the Order:

It has been directed to all the Telecast stations holding permission to broadcast content on issues of national importance and social relevance for at least 30 minutes every day.
The provision has been introduced as ‘airwaves/frequencies’ are public property and need to be used in the best interest of society.
The eight listed themes include;
Education and spread of literacy,
Agriculture and rural development,
Health and family welfare,
Science and technology,
The welfare of women,
The welfare of the weaker sections of society,
Protection of the environment and of cultural heritage,
National integration.

What are the exceptions:

For the foreign channels,
The channels include those related to sports, where it would not be feasible to broadcast such content.

Who will be the Decision-making Authority:

As and when required, the Centre would issue general advisories to the channels in this regard.

What does Uplinking-downlinking mean:

In satellite telecommunication, a downlink is a link from a satellite down to one or more ground stations or receivers, and an uplink is a link from a ground station up to a satellite.