ITV

Category: People

  • TRAI extends deadline for comments on draft broadcasting interconnection rules

    TRAI extends deadline for comments on draft broadcasting interconnection rules

    NEW DELHI: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has extended the deadline for stakeholder comments on its draft Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable) Services Interconnection (Addressable Systems) (Seventh Amendment) Regulations, 2025 to 14 October 2025.

    The draft, issued on 22 September 2025, was initially open for feedback until 6 October. Following requests from several stakeholders seeking more time to respond, the regulator granted a short extension but made it clear that no further requests would be entertained.

    Comments can be submitted electronically to advbcs-2@trai.gov.in and jtadv-bcs@trai.gov.in. For queries or clarifications, stakeholders may contact Deepali Sharma, advisor (B&CS), or Sapna Sharma, joint advisor (B&CS), at +91-11-20907774 or +91-11-26701418.

  • Cable TV lobby slams TRAI’s DTH licence fee waiver call

    Cable TV lobby slams TRAI’s DTH licence fee waiver call

    NEW DELHI – India’s top cable lobby has sounded the alarm over TRAI’s proposal to slash and eventually scrap licence fees for Direct-to-Home (DTH) operators, warning it could wreck the delicate balance in the country’s broadcast distribution ecosystem.

    In a strongly-worded representation to the information and broadcasting ministry, the All India Digital Cable Federation (AIDCF) – which represents over 880 multi-system operators (MSOs) and 1.6 lakh local cable operators (LCOs) – said the move would “deepen regulatory inequality” and “threaten over 10 lakh livelihoods” linked to the cable TV industry.

    The AIDCF accused TRAI of tilting the scales in favour of DTH players who already enjoy “cost-free, administratively allocated spectrum” while cable operators continue to bleed under high Right of Way (RoW) charges and hefty underground infrastructure investments.

    “A DTH licence fee waiver will distort competition and violate regulatory neutrality,” an AIDCF spokesperson said, adding that any cut would hasten subscriber churn from cable to satellite platforms. The body flagged other disruptors like Free Dish, OTTs, Fast TV and digital DPOs as further stress points for the struggling cable sector.

    Rather than easing licence costs for satellite platforms, AIDCF wants the government to implement a fair cost recovery mechanism across distribution platforms, reflecting the true commercial value of spectrum. It has urged the ministry to junk TRAI’s recommendation in favour of a level playing field that safeguards the sector’s long-term viability.

  • AIDCF elects new leadership: GTPL’s Anirudhsinh Jadeja takes the helm

    AIDCF elects new leadership: GTPL’s Anirudhsinh Jadeja takes the helm

    MUMBAI: The All India Digital Cable Federation (AIDCF), the apex lobby for digital cable operators in India, has named a new leadership team — with GTPL Hathway boss Anirudhsinh Jadeja stepping in as president, replacing outgoing DEN Networks chief executive S.N. Sharma.

    Joining Jadeja at the top are Sankaranarayana, vice chairman of Asianet Satellite Communications, as vice president, and Sanjay Goyal, group CFO at Fastway Transmissions, as treasurer.

    The outgoing Sharma said it was a “privilege” to lead the federation during a transformative phase. “I’m proud of the strides we’ve made in voicing the sector’s concerns with clarity and conviction,” he noted, while wishing the new team “continued success.”

    AIDCF secretary general Manoj Chhangani echoed the sentiment, calling Jadeja and his colleagues a “dynamic and experienced team” poised to strengthen the Federation’s role as the industry’s collective voice.

    A first-generation entrepreneur, Jadeja has over three decades of experience and is credited with building India’s largest multi-system operator. Sankaranarayana, an IIT-IIM alumnus, has steered Asianet since 2006, bringing a blend of engineering prowess and business strategy to the table. Goyal, meanwhile, has worn multiple hats across Jio, Siti Networks and Vishal Retail, and is known for his sharp financial acumen and transformation playbook.

    With this new lineup, AIDCF appears ready to recalibrate its priorities and reassert its relevance in an increasingly streaming-dominated media landscape.

  • Sushil Kumar Das leaps up the ladder at converged media solutions provider ABV to chief commercial officer

    Sushil Kumar Das leaps up the ladder at converged media solutions provider ABV to chief commercial officer

    MUMBAI: After nearly 12 years with the company, Sushil Kumaar Das has landed the top commercial job at ABV International, taking the reins as chief commercial officer for south Asia.

    The promotion caps a lengthy tenure with the convergent media solutions provider, where Das previously served as country manager since November 2013. In his new role, he’ll oversee sales, account management and business development across Indian and international markets.

    “I am deeply grateful for the trust and confidence placed in me by the leadership at ABV International,” Das announced on social media. “I look forward to contributing to the company’s growth, navigating new challenges, and driving impactful strategies across the region.”

    A seasoned hand in the media technology sector, Das brings over 24 years of experience to his new position, with particular expertise in pay TV, digital rights management, conditional access systems, IPTV and OTT platforms. Before joining ABV, he cut his teeth at MagnaQuest Technology, Kale Consultant and Softline Software Services.

    With a master’s degree in business administration specialising in marketing and telecom management, plus LinkedIn certification in executive leadership, Das describes himself as “passionate about finding openings and opportunities, delivering results, and building long-term relationships with clients and partners.”

    As streaming wars heat up across South Asia and traditional broadcasting models continue their digital transformation, ABV’s new commercial chief will have his work cut out maintaining the company’s position in this rapidly evolving landscape.

  • MIB simplifies process of registration for India’s cable TV operators

    MIB simplifies process of registration for India’s cable TV operators

    UMBAI:  India’s ministry of Information and broadcasting has issued an advisory on 17 January outlining significant changes to the registration process for local cable operators (LCOs) and multi-system operators (MSOs) under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995.

    The advisory highlights that, as per Section 3 of the Act, operating a cable television network without registration is prohibited. Applicants are now required to register or renew their registration online through the newly established Broadcast Seva Portal. This modernised approach addresses long-standing concerns regarding the cumbersome manual registration processes previously employed.

    Pursuant to the above, the central government has now introduced key amendments to the Rule vide Notification S. 0. No. 65(E) dated 17  January2025. Further, in exercise of powers conferred under clause (h) of Section 2 of the CTN Act, 1995, a notification vide S.O. No.315(E) dated 17  January , 2025 notifying the section Officer and additional  joint secretary to be the registering authorities for LCOs and MSOs respectively, has been issued.

    Key amendments outlined in the advisory include:

    Online Registration: LCO registration will be facilitated online via the Broadcast Seva Portal.
    Validity Extension: The registration will now be valid for five years, increased from one year.
    Processing Fee:  The registration fee has been set at Rs 5,000.
    National Registration Number: Registered LCOs will receive a unique National Registration Number valid throughout India.

    The new registering authority for LCOs will be designated section officers handling digital addressable systems (DAS) in the ministry. Additionally, applicants will need to verify their identity online using PAN, Aadhaar, and other required documents, with Aadhaar sharing being voluntary.

    Current LCOs are urged to apply for their registration renewal at least 90 days before expiration. Those with applications pending at local head post offices must withdraw and reapply through the Broadcast Seva Portal.

    The Ministry encourages all interested parties to take immediate action and offers support via a dedicated helpline (011-23381707) and toll-free number (18002127307), which are also available on the portal.

    These changes aim to streamline the registration process and enhance the operational framework for cable television networks in India.

    The advisory can be downloaded from this link b clicking on the word advisory
    The notification of the process of registration can be downloaded by clicking on the word notification
    The notification empowering the section officer for LCOs and the additional joint secretary in the case of MSOs can downloaded by clicking on the word notification.

  • Jio Platforms engages Gurpreet Phull as head-content & alliances

    Jio Platforms engages Gurpreet Phull as head-content & alliances

    MUMBAI: He’s been at Jio Platforms Ltd (JPL) for the past three months and Gurpreet Phull has kept his joining the MDA group company low-key. Today, however, he came out and announced  on Linkedin that he is “on a new journey. This time for the larger impact, to the new revolution” as head – content & alliances, JioTV Os, Jio App Store, Jio Homes and Jio Devices.

    He has been on the content distribution and alliances side for the past decade. Beginning May 2015 till February 2019 at Bharti Airtel as  lead- content alliances and acquisition strategy- DTH and mobile TV app, he was one of the founding members of Airtel Xtream. Moving on he joined Dish TV from February 2019 to November 2021 as head product marketing and content marketing strategy. He heeded the call from OTTPlay CEO & founder Avinash Mudaliar to head partnerships and growth at HT Digital Streams and he stayed there for three years until the JPL offer came his way.

    However, the B.Tech and IIM-C post graduate, began his working life as a software engineer at BirlaSoft and then worked in Raymond for almost four years, first, as a senior management trainee for a year and a half ,and then straightaway in the CEO’s office as his executive assistant. He also had a nine-month spell  at Myntra which gave him exposure to the ecommerce world. 
     

  • Sony exec Vikram Vijay Chandan turns author with Love Life and Cricket

    Sony exec Vikram Vijay Chandan turns author with Love Life and Cricket

    MUMBAI: When you have been distributing sports channels for more than 20 years as a TV distribution executive, it gives you a first-hand look at the game of cricket than possible otherwise. And that’s what’s prompted Sony Pictures Networks Distribution India vice-president of sales Vikram Vijay Chandan to pen a book about the sport and its applicability to life.

    Called Love Life and Cricket, the book has made its debut on Amazon.  The cricket-mad Vikram has been podcasting about cricket for a while now and draws parallels between life and the game in every situation. He penned the book over four years, while holding his day job at Sony, meeting cable operators and executives at DTH platform doing deals to carry the Sony sports channels.

    “This book is a culmination of my journey, experiences and learnings around the game I love,” said he on linkedin. “Cricket, often referred to as a religion in India, is more than just a game. It’s a reflection of life itself. Just as cricket has its ups and downs, life too has its share of triumphs and tribulations. Love, in its purest form, is the glue that holds relationships together. Just as a batsman and bowler engage in a beautiful dance, love is the harmony that exists between two people.In cricket, every ball is a new opportunity, just like every day in life. We must seize each moment, just as a fielder seizes a catch, and make the most of it.
    As we navigate the ups and downs of life, cricket reminds us of the importance of perseverance, teamwork, and sportsmanship. And just as love conquers all, cricket too has the power to unite people across cultures and borders.So, let’s cherish the love, live life to the fullest, and enjoy the game of cricket – for in its simplicity lies a profound beauty that reflects the very essence of human existence.”

    Based in Gurugram, Vikram has also been expressing his thoughts and views about action on the ground through his Instagram handle and his opinions have got more than 20 million views.

    Love Life and Cricket has been published by Beeja House which is run by the mentor of writers Geetika Saigal.  

    You can get onto Amazon and buy your copy by clicking on the link: Love Life and Cricket
     

  • GTPL Hathway reappoints Anirudhsinh Jadeja as a MD for three years

    GTPL Hathway reappoints Anirudhsinh Jadeja as a MD for three years

    Mumbai: GTPL Hathway has reappointed Anirudhsinh Jadeja as managing director for three years, at its 16th annual general meeting held on Friday.

    His reappointment will take effect from 8 December on the expiry of his present term of office. The AGM also approved terms and conditions of his appointment, including remuneration.

    The board also extended independent director Divya Momaya’s term up to 27 September 2024.

    The company declared dividend on equity shares at the rate of Rs 4 per equity share of Rs 10 each for the financial year ended 31 March 2022.

    It also appointed Amit Shah, a director retiring by rotation. The board appointed Deloitte Haskins & Sells, Chartered Accountants as the statutory auditors of the company for a term of five consecutive years and fixed their remuneration.

  • Hathway Digital onboards industry veteran Tavinderjit Panesar

    Hathway Digital onboards industry veteran Tavinderjit Panesar

    Mumbai: Industry veteran Tavinderjit Panesar has joined Hathway Digital as head of strategic initiative and broadcast partnerships. 

    In this role, he will be responsible for content buying and placement strategy, driving new strategic initiatives, managing operations in select markets, governance, and diligence.

    Panesar commands more than three decades of experience across diverse industries in areas such as management, strategic planning, marketing, distribution, business development, media and entertainment, and broadcasting.

    He was previously associated with Sundial Bizworkz as managing partner. His longest stint was with Star India for 17 years. He was in charge of distribution for DTH, cable, and commercial establishment verticals in the digital markets for Star India. 

    Panesar later joined Hathway Cable & Datacom in December 2014 and was elevated as director and CEO in November 2016. He was also president of DSports India between August 2017 and February 201. He started his career at JK Tyres and Apollo Tyres.

  • Yogesh Sharma takes over as Siti Networks CEO

    Yogesh Sharma takes over as Siti Networks CEO

    Mumbai: Siti Networks Ltd, an Essel Group company has appointed Yogesh Sharma as chief executive officer from 1 January.

    Sharma joined Siti Networks as vice president in 2018 and became the chief operating officer in 2019. He has been instrumental in introducing innovative ideas, implementing new processes and competitive strategies to achieve market leadership, said the company in a statement. He has led tactical initiatives and best practices to streamline the operational framework by setting up a robust system at the company, it added.

    “It is an honor to lead Siti Networks. We will be working to enhance our ground connect and introduce new business models focused on leveraging our distribution strength and offering innovative products for our customers,” said Yogesh Sharma on his new role.    

    Sharma, with over 28 years of rich experience, has a proven record of driving operational excellence across organisations. He has dynamic leadership capabilities in business expansion through strategic initiatives, transformational leadership, strengthening operational capabilities, project controls, and implementing best practices. He has extensive experience with national MSOs like DEN Networks, Hathway Cable, and IMCL-Indusind Media and Communication.

    Sharma is a mechanical engineer from Pune University and has attended the prestigious INSEAD leadership programme for senior executives (ILPSE) from INSEAD, Fontainebleau, France.