The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released a Consultation Paper on ‘Inputs for formulation of National Broadcasting Policy-2024’ today.
This move comes after the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, through a reference dated 13th July 2023, requested the TRAI to provide its considered inputs under Section 11 of the TRAI Act, 1997 for the formulation of the National Broadcasting Policy. As a first step, TRAI issued a Pre-Consultation Paper on 21st September 2023 to elicit the issues that need to be considered for the formulation of the National Broadcasting Policy. The regulator received 28 comments in response to the Pre-Consultation Paper.
After examining the issues emanating from the written submissions and meetings, studying various media and industry reports, public documents, international practices, and initiatives taken by the Government for the sector, TRAI has now prepared the Consultation Paper on ‘Inputs for the formulation of National Broadcasting Policy-2024’.
The Consultation Paper has been placed on TRAI’s website (www.trai.gov.in), and written comments from stakeholders are invited by 30th April 2024. It is important to note that no counter-comments are being invited in this Consultation Paper, as it intends to formulate inputs for the broadcasting policy.
The broadcasting sector is considered a sunrise sector with immense potential to contribute to the growth of the Indian economy. The inputs for the formulation of the policy aim to stipulate the vision, mission, objectives, and strategies for the planned development and growth of the broadcasting sector in the country in the era of new and emerging technologies. The Consultation Paper highlights pertinent issues prevalent in the broadcasting sector with the objective of making India a ‘Global Content Hub’. It raises questions on the policy and regulatory measures and strategies to be adopted for increasing the contribution to the economy through universal reach, fostering innovation with a focus on research and development, facilitating job creation, skill development, and start-up promotion. Additionally, the paper discusses strengthening public service broadcasting, issues in various segments of the media and entertainment sector, combating piracy and ensuring content security, establishing a robust audience measurement system, terrestrial broadcasting, and socio-environmental responsibilities.
Stakeholders are encouraged to submit their written comments, preferably in electronic form, to [email protected] and [email protected]. For any clarification or information, Shri Tejpal Singh, Advisor (Broadcasting and Cable Services), TRAI, can be contacted at Tel. No.: +91-11-23664516. The release of the Consultation Paper by TRAI marks a significant step towards the formulation of the National Broadcasting Policy-2024, which will shape the future direction and development of the broadcasting sector in India.
