TRAI view on entry of channels by June 30

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has assured the government that it will give its opinion on regulating entry of new TV channels by June 30 as it has started collecting views of broadcasters. The Ministry for Information and Broadcasting had on October 8, 2009 written to TRAI Chairman Mr J S Sarma, seeking his opinion on how to regulate the entry of several television channels.

In response to the ministry’s request, TRAI had issued a consultation paper on “Policy Issues relating to Uplinking/Downlinking Television Channels in India”, and had sought views of broadcasters on it. TRAI has assured the Ministry that it will give its response on the issue by June 30 as a couple of broadcasters have already sent in their reactions while major players in the sector too would be sending their responses soon.

I&B Minister Ms Ambika Soni had asked for TRAI’s advice on how to put a cap on new channels amid reports of several illegal channels running in the country, whose contents had affected law and order situation in various states. The Ministry has asked state governments to take stern action against cable operators showing illegal channels in their areas, which don’t have uplinking or downlinking permission of the government. - PTI

Courtesy - Hindu business line