News & Media

Challenges are mounting for Prasar Bharati as it nears the launch date of its over-the-top (OTT) platform, with cable TV operators and a handful of private broadcasters raising red flags and pushing for more clarity in the existing guidelines.

The All India Digital Cable Federation (AIDCF) has written to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting criticising Prasar Bharati for inviting private sector satellite TV channels to onboard its upcoming OTT platform.

The controversial Broadcasting Bill has been put on hold for now, sources within the government told Moneycontrol on condition of anonymity. Sources familiar with the matter said that the government is assessing the point of bring out a fresh Broadcasting Bill after consultations; it may not move forward with it.

The broadcast industry is currently experiencing significant upheaval, with a flurry of activity among authorities and stakeholders. These discussions have led to various recommendations and draft bills aimed at establishing new mandates within the sector.

The ministry of information and broadcasting on Monday has withdrawn the latest draft of the Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2024 by asking all stakeholders to return physical copies given to them between July 24 and 25, five people aware of the matter told HT asking not to be named.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has drafted the Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2024, which will replace the Television Network Act of 1995. Reports indicate that the Bill will classify influencers and social media pages that produce content or discuss current affairs or news online as ‘digital news broadcasters’.

The ministry of electronics and information technology (MeitY) has authorised the ministry of information and broadcasting (MIB) to use Aadhaar to authenticate the identities of people who register themselves online as the local cable operators (LCOs) under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995.

Online streaming services, social media accounts and online video creators, from across the globe, might come under the regulation of the Indian Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) according to the latest version of the country’s proposed Broadcast Bill. The proposed changes in the Bill will have significant implications for press and creative freedom. Some of the aspects of the Bill reported here were first reported by the Hindustan Times.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has made a series of amendments to the regulatory framework for broadcasting and cable services and issued recommendations to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) regarding the listing of channels in the Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) and transitioning DD Free Dish to an addressable system. The amendments were notified through a press release on July 8, which states that the purpose of the amendments is to facilitate sectoral growth by simplifying regulations.

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on Monday issued regulatory framework for Broadcasting and Cable services and released its recommendations on the listing of television channels in the Electronic Programme Guide and the Upgradation of DD Free Dish platform to an Addressable System.