TRAI issues recommendations on National Broadcast Policy

Delhi: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released recommendations on inputs for the formulation of the National Broadcast Policy (NBP) in 2024.

“The objective of the policy is to facilitate the growth of the sector with quick adoption of the emerging technologies for providing an immersive and enriching experience to the consumers cost-effectively while safeguarding the interest of the stakeholders involved in the broadcasting sphere. Achieving these goals necessitates collaboration among the key stakeholders viz. 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,” said the press release by TRAI. 

The Authority floated a paper on September 21, 2023, to highlight the issues that needed to be considered for the formulation of the policy.

Additionally, the TRAI received 28 comments from different companies, service providers, and associations, among others. 

Furthermore, the Authority issued the consultation paper titled as ‘Inputs for Formulation of National Broadcast Policy’ on April 2, 2024, after examining the issues that were highlighted by discussions and submissions. 

The consultation paper raised approximately 20 questions requiring consideration of the stakeholders and their specific comments while identifying focus areas. 

An Open House Discussion was conducted on May 15, 2024, which led to additional comments being added. The comments and the Open House Discussion submissions have been taken into consideration for recommendations for the government.