Both the policymaker and the regulator assured the Indian media and entertainment (M&E) sector of an open and collaborative approach as far as sector regulations were concerned.

Speaking yesterday at the opening of the CII Big Picture Summit, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) secretary Apurva Chandra said the government would like to have a light touch regulation and act more as a facilitator.

He added that the M&E industry had been showing huge growth in the past 20 years, and “we are set to reach USD 100 billion soon”.

He also said that the Indian M&E industry was transforming into a key driver of economic growth, both domestically and internationally, while simultaneously employing a significant portion of the population.

“Many believe the (M&E) sector is highly regulated, but we have always been open,” Chandra said, referring to the strong growth of digital and OTT platforms, especially during the pandemic.

Secretary Chandra announced expansion of the scope of projection of India’s M&E story abroad and asked for suggestions from the industry.

He further stated that the creation of a broadcast seva portal provides a single point facility to various stakeholders providing an efficient and transparent regime for the broadcast sector.

According to the MIB secretary, the government was working towards creating a National Centre of Excellence for AVGC and the Film Facilitation Office was working to help with theatre opening approvals.

Telecom Regulatory of India (TRAI) Chairman, Dr. P D Vaghela, while extolling the power of digital media, exhorted the industry to ensure hundred percent television penetration in the country.

“TRAI is committed to ensuring ease of doing business for the telecom and broadcast sector,” he said, adding that the regulator was working towards creating time-bound solutions and reforms in policies.

 “Trai’s main motto is to create a level-playing field for all stakeholders…and ensure balance between broadcasters and distribution operators. Transparency in tariffs and service offerings for consumers remain the core objective of Trai, but also unfortunately, slightly controversial. The fact that our tariffs in broadcasting are among the lowest in the world exemplifies that Trai interventions have helped the consumers,” Vaghela said, justifying the regulatory interventions.

As with every year, the two-day CII M&E conference will witness a host of sessions, covering the entire spectrum of the media and entertainment industry, including broadcasting, TV, OTT, films, animation and visual effects, gaming, advertising, news and publishing.

Over 80 speakers will be discussing issues like striking the right balance between sense and sensibility; enabling policy for scaling new heights; the issue of talent in industry and ways to overcome its shortages; the growing clout of cloud technology in media and entertainment; a larger vision for television; the future of theatricals; digital payments in digital India; OTT being the new face of television; the power of regional content; value creation in AVGC and e-sports.