Broadcasting regulator TRAI on Thursday made it clear that it does not support a scenario where traditional broadcasters are burdened with heavier regulation compared to their OTT counterparts. The remarks were made by TRAI Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti during a panel discussion at the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) being held in Mumbai.

As per a PTI report, Lahoti, who also oversees regulatory matters in India’s broadcasting sector, stressed the need for a level playing field across platforms. He said while the regulatory body is fully supportive of new technology and innovation, the emergence of digital players should not come at the cost of established broadcasters.

“We should not create an environment where the regulation discriminates between the two mediums and puts traditional broadcasting at a disadvantage,” Lahoti said during the session titled ‘Regulating Broadcast in the Digital Age: Key Frameworks and Challenges’. 

 

His comments come at a time when the media and entertainment industry is actively debating the regulatory frameworks around OTT platforms, many of which continue to function under self-regulatory codes while traditional TV broadcasters remain under stricter government oversight.

Lahoti acknowledged that technology is transforming how content is created and consumed, and welcomed innovation that improves user experience. However, he underlined that evolving regulation must keep pace with this shift and ensure fairness across mediums.

Industry insiders at WAVES 2025 noted that TRAI’s stance echoes growing concerns among legacy broadcasters who feel the competitive field is becoming uneven due to asymmetric regulatory treatment. The call for harmonized rules is expected to intensify as digital consumption continues to surge.

The WAVES summit, which began on May 1, has brought together top voices from the media, broadcasting, and entertainment industries to discuss future frameworks, innovation, and the way forward in a digitally driven world.