MIB, Broadcasters To Discuss TRAI's NBP Recommendations On July 19

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) will hold a meeting with broadcasters and teleport operators on July 19th, chaired by the Secretary of MIB. The meeting's agenda is to discuss the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India's (TRAI) recommendations on 'Inputs for Formulation of National Broadcasting Policy 2024'.

On June 20th, TRAI presented its recommendations to the government for the National Broadcasting Policy (NBP), outlining its 'Vision, Mission and Goals.' The recommendations emphasised the need for a transparent and credible audience measurement and rating system for television, radio and OTT broadcasting services. Notably, TRAI did not address the regulation or licensing requirements for OTT platforms. Aiming to position India as a ‘Global Content Hub,’ TRAI proposed several initiatives to support this goal.

In a letter dated July 13, 2023, MIB requested TRAI to provide its inputs under Section 11 of the TRAI Act, 1997 for the formulation of the National Broadcasting Policy. 

As an initial step, TRAI issued a pre-consultation paper on 21 September 2023 to gather issues that needed to be addressed for the policy's formulation. Based on the feedback and discussions with stakeholders, TRAI released the Consultation Paper on 'Inputs for Formulation of National Broadcasting Policy-2024' on April 27, 2024.

The Consultation Paper highlighted key focus areas and posed 20 questions to stakeholders for their input. TRAI received responses from 42 stakeholders, including service providers, organisations, industry associations, consumer advocacy groups and individuals.

An Open House Discussion (OHD) was held on May 15, 2024, after which additional comments were received. TRAI analysed and considered all comments, OHD submissions and additional feedback in formulating its recommendations to the government.