News & Media

12-Aug-24
Draft Broadcast Bill at odds with TRAI’s FreeDish encryption rules, experts warn
Draft Broadcast Bill at odds with TRAI’s FreeDish encryption rules, experts warn

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.

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12-Aug-24
Centre withdraws draft of Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2024
Centre withdraws draft of Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2024

The ministry of information and broadcasting on Monday has withdrawn the latest draft of the Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2024 by asking all stakeholders to return physical copies given to them between July 24 and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.

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09-Aug-24
New Broadcasting Bill 2024 and its impact on digital creators
New Broadcasting Bill 2024 and its impact on digital creators

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’.

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03-Aug-24
MIB can now perform Aadhaar authentication to register local cable operators
MIB can now perform Aadhaar authentication to register local cable operators

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.

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30-Jul-24
‘Compliance’ for YouTubers and Instagrammers: What the Proposed Broadcast Bill Says
‘Compliance’ for YouTubers and Instagrammers: What the Proposed Broadcast Bill Says

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.

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09-Jul-24
TRAI Announces Regulatory Changes For Broadcasting and Cable
TRAI Announces Regulatory Changes For Broadcasting and Cable

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.

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08-Jul-24
DPOs may offer up to 45% discount while forming channel bouquets for flexibility: TRAI
DPOs may offer up to 45% discount while forming channel bouquets for flexibility: TRAI

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.

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20-Jun-24
TRAI Releases Recommendations On National Broadcast Policy
TRAI Releases Recommendations On National Broadcast Policy

TRAI has released recommendations on ‘Inputs for formulation of National Broadcasting Policy-2024’. “The policy aims at stipulating the vision, mission, goals and strategies that could set the tone for a planned development and growth of the broadcasting sector in the country in the era of new and emerging technologies,” said TRAI in its 180-page long document.

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21-May-24
Level the Playing Field Between Distribution Platform Operators and Free Dish & OTT: Digital Cable Federation to TRAI
Level the Playing Field Between Distribution Platform Operators and Free Dish & OTT: Digital Cable Federation to TRAI

The All India Digital Cable Federation (AIDCF) requested the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to enforce regulations on DD Free Dish and OTT platforms, alleging an unequal playing field, in their comments on the National Broadcasting Policy released by TRAI last month. It also asked for content parity, which would allow the same content to be distributed by different mediums like OTT, dish and cable TV.

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30-Apr-24
Cable operators push back against broadcaster bundles, seek fairer pricing for consumers
Cable operators push back against broadcaster bundles, seek fairer pricing for consumers

The All India Digital Cable Federation (AIDCF), representing cable operators across India, has submitted a strong response to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India's (TRAI) consultation paper on ‘Review of Regulatory Framework for Broadcasting and Cable Services’.

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