The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has unveiled a draft of regulations aimed at consolidating television channels, radio stations, DTH operators, and other broadcasting services under a single regulatory framework. The draft of the Telecommunications (Television, Radio, and Related Services) Rules, 2026, seeks to replace various guidelines and permissions with a unified rulebook as stipulated by the Telecommunications Act, 2023. According to the ministry, the proposed regulations aim to merge six existing policy frameworks related to television channels, DTH services, Headend-in-the-Sky (HITS) operators, private FM radio, community radio, and IPTV services into one comprehensive set of rules.

This draft has been made available for public consultation, allowing feedback until July 27. An MIB official informed a media outlet that the goal is to create a more straightforward and predictable system for broadcasters. The official emphasized that the intention is to simplify processes and enhance the 'ease of doing business.' Instead of six separate guidelines, a single consolidated set of rules will be implemented, and the 'Grant of Permission Agreement' (GoPA) has been eliminated. Additionally, timelines, fee structures, and approval processes have been streamlined.

The draft regulations also maintain the previous requirement for private broadcasters to air public interest programs. Television channels will be mandated to broadcast at least 30 minutes of content daily on topics such as education, health, agriculture, science, environmental protection, and national unity. This rule was initially introduced through the uplinking and downlinking guidelines in 2022 and was later reinforced in January 2023 by an advisory from the MIB, which instructed channels to report compliance on a monthly basis.