Trai starts talks with broadcasters for overhauling regulatory system

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has initiated discussions with broadcasting industry stakeholders as part of its efforts to overhaul the sector’s regulatory framework, said people directly aware of the matter.

The regulator is preparing a consultation paper aimed at conducting a holistic review of existing regulations, they added.

On Tuesday, TRAI held a meeting with television broadcasters, including representatives from the Indian Broadcasting and Digital Foundation and the News Broadcasters and Digital Association, to discuss key issues that could be addressed in the upcoming consultation process.


The meeting focused on identifying challenges and areas requiring reform within the current regulatory landscape. Stakeholders have been requested to submit their concerns and suggestions by April 5 for consideration in the consultation process.

According to sources familiar with the matter, the consultation paper will lay the foundation for a more balanced regulatory framework. Tuesday’s meeting marks the first in a series of discussions aimed at ensuring inclusivity in the decision-making process, they said.

TRAI also plans to engage further with industry representatives to develop policies that align with evolving market dynamics. It is scheduled to meet with distribution platform operators (DPOs) on Wednesday to understand their concerns and gather additional insights.

TRAI appears to be leaning towards deregulating the broadcasting sector to enhance its competitiveness against digital platforms, particularly over-the-top services, sources who attended Tuesday’s meeting said on the condition of anonymity.

Currently, channel pricing, carriage fees and the discounts offered by broadcasters to DPOs are subject to upper limits. The industry has been advocating for the removal of these restrictions to enable broadcasters and DPOs to conduct business more independently.

“Broadcasters pointed out that the industry is currently heavily regulated. If TRAI wants the sector to compete effectively with OTT platforms, the regulatory burden needs to be reduced,” said one of the officials present at the meeting.

During his address at the Ficci FRAMES 2024 event, TRAI chairman AK Lahoti reaffirmed the regulator’s commitment to fostering an orderly and transparent broadcasting industry. He emphasised the need to facilitate the entry of new players and emerging technologies while ensuring that existing businesses do not face undue challenges.

The broadcasting sector is currently undergoing significant upheaval due to rapid technological advancements and shifting consumer preferences. The rise of over-the-top platforms and DD Free Dish has had a profound impact on the pay-TV industry, with the number of subscribers falling to 84 million from 120 million in the last few years.

The broadcasting industry has been demanding a level playing field, arguing that television channels are heavily regulated, while OTT platforms and DD Free Dish face minimal regulatory oversight.