Get All Access for $5/mo

TRAI Is Working On New Set Of Proposals On Media Ownership, Says P D Vaghela The telecom and broadcast regulator had, earlier this year, floated a consultation paper on issues related to media ownership

By Teena Jose

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

TRAI Twitter handle

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) chairman P D Vaghela, on Wednesday, said that the TRAI, which is the regulator for both the telecom and broadcast sectors in the country, is working on a new set of recommendations on media ownership. As per reports, the telecom and broadcast regulator had, earlier this year, floated a consultation paper on issues related to media ownership.

"The concentration of media ownership has been identified with a number of problems. The most significant of these is the threat it poses to freedom of expression and democracy," said Vaghela, while speaking at the CII Big Picture Summit in New Delhi.

The statement comes at a time when the domestic media sector is seeing a takeover battle between the Adani Group and promoters of NDTV. As per reports, Sebi has given its nod to Adani Group's open offer next week for additional shares in NDTV after the group revealed its plans in August regarding the 29.18 per cent stake acquisition in the company.

The TRAI chairman also mentioned the challenges faced by the television broadcast sector due to the new tariff order 2.0, which has capped pricing of standalone channels from INR 10 to INR 12 and also introduced new conditions on bundling and distribution of channels.

"Our recent consultation on tariff-related issues for television channels and bouquets is a result of multiple discussions with each group of stakeholders, broadcasters, multi-systems operators, DTH players and local cable operators. Soon, we expect to issue amendments to the tariff order and interconnection regulations in line with our stated policy of light touch regulation. We expect the industry to respond with tariffs and prices that do not put undue burden on consumers," said Vaghela.

Teena Jose

News Desk Reporter with Entrepreneur India

Teena is a post graduate in financial journalism. She has an avid interest in content creation, digital media and fashion.
News and Trends

"45% of All Ongoing Hydropower Projects in India are Ours": Patel Engineering

Patel Engineering reported a turnover of INR 4,400 crore in the last fiscal year, with a projected 10 per cent growth for the current year.

Side Hustle

'Hustling Every Day': These Friends Started a Side Hustle With $2,500 Each — It 'Snowballed' to Over $500,000 and Became a Multimillion-Dollar Brand

Paris Emily Nicholson and Saskia Teje Jenkins had a 2020 brainstorm session that led to a lucrative business.

Leadership

Should I Stay or Should I Go? 8 Key Points to Navigate the Founder's Dilemma

Here are eight key signs that help founders determine whether to persevere or let go.

News and Trends

Broadcom Stock Soars on AI Growth Outlook

Broadcom's next-generation AI chips, built with advanced 3-nanometer technology, are set to debut in the spring

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.

News and Trends

5 Things to Know About India's Chess Pride, Gukesh Dommaraju

He is not only inspired by Dhoni but also relies on a coach from Dhoni's cricketing era to help him prepare mentally.