The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has advocated for a national broadcasting policy that prioritizes the diverse needs of consumers and promotes democratic values and cultural diversity. In recommendations submitted to the information and broadcasting ministry, Trai outlined ambitious goals to transform India’s broadcasting sector, envisioning a competitive, affordable, and ubiquitous ecosystem. Trai is among 42 entities from whom the ministry sought recommendations for a national policy designed to increase inclusivity and literacy, attract investments, develop indigenous infrastructure, and position ‘Brand India’ globally.
Trai’s recommendations include propelling growth through establishing a data-driven governance framework to bolster the broadcasting ecosystem. The regulator also suggests developing a resilient and technology-adaptive infrastructure to encourage research and development (R&D) and indigenous manufacturing, creating a level playing field to stimulate economic growth and establish India as an ‘Uplinking Hub’ for global television channels. To promote content, Trai has emphasized enhancing the production and distribution of quality content across television, radio, and streaming platforms.
The ministry initiated the process on 13 July last year by requesting recommendations from Trai. A detailed consultation paper was subsequently issued on 27 April 2024, identifying key focus areas for the policy and posing 20 critical questions to stakeholders. Input was sought from 42 entities including service providers, industry associations, and consumer advocacy groups. An open house discussion (OHD) was conducted on 15 May 2024, further contributing to the final recommendations.
The policy aims to establish India as a “global leader in broadcasting” and outlines a broad roadmap for the next ten years, with a special focus on the coming five years. The initiatives include establishing a robust broadcasting ecosystem enabled by growth-oriented policies and regulations, supporting the creation of a resilient, adaptive, and technology-agile infrastructure, and fostering research and development along with indigenous manufacturing.
The recommendations around content aim to encourage the proliferation of Indian content both locally and globally, harnessing the power of emerging broadcasting technologies and making India a ‘Global Content Hub’. The policy also seeks to enable quality content production in public service broadcasting to inform, educate, and entertain the masses. The draft policy includes combating piracy and safeguarding the rights of content creators and intellectual property holders through copyright protection.
Furthermore, the policy addresses social and environmental responsibilities by ensuring awareness and enabling provisions for disseminating information across all strata of society, incorporating green broadcasting practices, and preparing for disaster management. Trai’s recommendations are poised to provide a strategic framework for the planned development and growth of the broadcasting sector in India, aligning with the needs of a rapidly changing digital landscape and the expectations of a diverse audience.
