Network18 reaches 250mn TV viewers, crosses 65bn social video views: Akash Ambani 
MIFF panel agrees youngsters driving documentary renaissance 
At APOS, JioStar’s Chatterjee says India most demanding live sports market 
JioStar’s Vaz says focus is on creating integrated consumer experiences across screens 
UK proposes sweeping SM ban for under-16s; WhatsApp exempted 
‘Obsession’ director Curry Barker announces new horror film 
Adah Sharma’s ‘Gajra’ first look reveals her new avatar 
Netflix announces ‘India’s Got Latent’ Season 2 with Samay Raina’s new comedy 
Raju Khan recalls challenges of filming ‘Ghanan Ghanan’ 
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has written to broadcast regulator TRAI exhorting it to include the points on bouquet formation of TV channels, raised by MSOs, to be included in an ongoing consultation process.
The MSOs, through their industry body All India Digital Cable Federation (AIDCF), had petitioned the MIB earlier this month after several rounds of meetings, stating that the body seeks urgent intervention for “introducing crucial reforms related to right of bouquet formation” by the MSOs for orderly growth of cable TV industry and promotion of consumer interests.
The AIDCF had alleged in the letter to MIB that “despite raising & highlighting the subject issue multiple times and at multiple forums, TRAI has not included this critical issue” in the consultation paper on ‘Review of Regulatory Framework for Broadcasting and Cable Services’ released on August 8, 2023.
The MIB communication to the regulator, earlier this month, hence, stated: “As TRAI is doing a consultation for the industry through its consultation paper on ‘Review of Regulatory Framework for Broadcasting and Cable Service’ dated 08.08.2023, therefore, request of AIDCF may be favourably considered for inclusion in the aforesaid consultation currently being undertaken.”
The letter further added: “AIDCF in its representation has demonstrated that reinstating the autonomy of DPOs to form their own bouquets may reduce the prevailing subscriber charges to the extent of 21%, thereby benefiting both the consumers and the sector at large. This issue may require consideration by the TRAI. ”
The AIDCF had submitted to the government that the regulator may be directed to undertake “a holistic consultation encompassing all the issues” and to “initiate a supplementary consultation paper, in addition to the current consultation paper” that ought to include the issue of “restoring DPOs’ right to form their own bouquets by breaking broadcasters bouquet”.
The organisation also urged that TRAI may be directed to issue joint recommendations on the main consultation and supplementary papers.
