TRAI’s broadcasting policy inputs a mixed bag for media industry

The media industry breathed a sigh of relief seeing the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India not explicitly batting for convergence in regulations for linear TV broadcasters and streaming firms. However, industry insiders noted that TRAI has done very little to relieve the broadcasting industry and level the playing field with OTT firms.

TRAI released its recommendations for the NBP on Thursday and in its recommendation it deferred explicitly commenting on the matter of regulating streaming companies or OTT firms like Netflix and Amazon. Given that the definition of broadcasting services is currently in legislation, under the Broadcasting Services (Regulation) or the BSR bill which is at the drafting stage with the I&B Ministry.