Trai recommends framework for new National Broadcasting Policy

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) on Thursday released its recommendations on the necessary inputs needed for the formulation of a revised `National Broadcasting Policy’

Trai’s recommendations for the broadcasting sector stipulates the need for vision, mission, goals and strategies for securing planned development and growth of the broadcasting sector in the country, especially in the era of emerging technologies.

The policy should facilitate growth of the sector, with faster adoption of the emerging technologies, for enriching consumer experience in a cost-effective manner, while safeguarding the interest of the stakeholders, as per Trai recommendations. 

The stakeholders in the broadcasting sector include the central and state governments, local governments and agencies, television and radio broadcasters, OTT service providers, content creators, distributors, equipment manufacturers, academia, research institutes, industry including startups and small and medium enterprises.

The `Vision’ should be to foster a competitive, affordable and ubiquitous ecosystem for sustained growth of the broadcasting sector. It should cater to the diverse needs of consumers and facilitate creation of quality content while promoting democratic values and cultural diversity.

The aim should be to attract investments while safeguarding intellectual property, developing resilient indigenous infrastructure and generating employment, thereby strengthening India’s soft image globally.

Trai has suggested a 10-year roadmap for Broadcasting Policy 2024, with special focus on the next 5 years. The policy should aim at establishing a robust broadcasting ecosystem, with data-driven regulations.

It should aim at creating a resilient, adaptive and tech-agile infrastructure fostering R&D, technology innovation and indigenous manufacturing, Trai said.

It should help promote ease of doing business while facilitating level-playing field and healthy competition and stimulating economic growth, it added.

The policy should support quality indigenous content production and distribution for television, radio and OTT broadcasting services, both locally and globally so as to establish India as a preferred destination for content creation.

It also should promote and facilitate the growth of local content through films, animation, visual effects, gaming, music, with state-of-the-art post-production infrastructure.

The ministry of information and broadcasting had, in July last year, requested Trai to provide its suggestions for formulation of new National Broadcasting Policy.

Trai issued a pre-consultation paper in September 2023 in order to identify all issues connected with the formulation of National Broadcasting Policy. The recommendations are based on the suggestions and comments received from stakeholders.

The consultation paper on 'Inputs for formulation of National Broadcasting Policy-2024' issued on 2 April 2024, identified the focus areas and raised 20 questions seeking comments from stakeholders. Trai said it has received comments from 42 stakeholders, including service providers, organisations, industry associations, consumer groups and some individuals as well.

Trai also organised an open-house discussion on 15 May 2024, following which some additional comments were received. All these suggestions and comments were analysed and duly considered while framing the recommendations, Trai stated.