Representatives from the cable television industry are scheduled to meet with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) to advocate for the swift implementation of the Broadcasting Services Bill. Industry stakeholders are keen to push forward the legislation, which is intended to modernize the regulatory framework governing the sector and create a level playing field with other broadcasting platforms.
The current regulatory landscape for cable television in India is governed by the outdated Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act of 1995, along with various rules and guidelines from multiple bodies like the MIB and TRAI. The industry has long called for a comprehensive new bill to address issues such as pricing disparities between cable TV and OTT platforms, the need for better content, and other regulatory imbalances.
The Broadcasting Services Bill, 2023, aims to consolidate and update the regulatory provisions for all broadcasting services, including cable TV, DTH, OTT platforms, and digital news. While the draft bill has been circulated and feedback sought from stakeholders, the cable TV industry is now looking for expedited action on its enactment.
During the meeting with the MIB, industry representatives are expected to highlight the challenges faced by the cable TV sector under the existing regulations and emphasize how the new bill could provide much-needed clarity and a more equitable regulatory environment. They are likely to urge the ministry to finalize the bill and present it to Parliament for approval at the earliest.
Key Highlights:
- The cable TV industry is set to meet with the MIB to advocate for the Broadcasting Services Bill.
- The industry hopes the bill will modernize regulations and create a level playing field.
- The current regulations are considered outdated, and the new bill aims to address various issues in the sector.
- Cable operators will likely push for the swift finalization and implementation of the Broadcasting Services Bill.