The Indian Newspaper Society has asked its members to send comments as the body looks to prepare its suggestions for the Government's 'Print Media Advertisement Policy 2020' which will be effective from 1 August 2020.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting introduced this policy which follows the establishment of the Bureau of Outreach and Communication (BOC) which was set up on 8 December 2017. The BOC would maintain a list of approved publications for release of advertisements by empanelling acceptable publications. The bureau would empanel publications that it finds suitable for the issue of advertisements for the Government of India.
The BOC aims at providing 360 degrees communication solutions to the Ministries/Departments/ Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs)/autonomous bodies and acts as an advisory body to Government on media strategy. It is the nodal organisation for paid outreach campaigns through print media, electronic media, outdoor media, social media, internet websites, etc, on behalf of client Ministries/Departments and organisation of Government of India.
Objectives of the policy guidelines
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The primary objective of the Government campaigns through print media is to secure the widest possible coverage of the intended content or message through newspapers and periodicals of current affairs as well as Science, Art, Literature, Sports, Films, Cultural Affairs, etc.
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BOC would maintain a list of approved publications for release of advertisements by empanelling acceptable publications. BOC would empanel only such publications which are found suitable for issue of advertisements of the Government of India.
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While empanelling, BOC will endeavour to empanel publications having readership from different sections of the society in different parts of the country.
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Government advertisements are not intended to be financial assistance to publications.