ITV

Category: Regulators

  • IBF, AIDCF say STB interoperability unviable in current conditions

    IBF, AIDCF say STB interoperability unviable in current conditions

    MUMBAI:  Universal interoperability of STBs in cable and DTH is not viable in the given conditions, Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF) and All India Digital and Cable Federation (AIDCF) said in response to Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI)’s consultation paper on the (set top box) STB interoperability.

    Both associations suggested the authority to understand and analyse the transition of STB interoperability on the broadcasting ecosystem, with no disruption to the pay TV system before proceeding further on the consultation paper.

    The authority on 11 November had released a consultation paper on interoperable STBs for digital TV broadcasting services. It had sought comments from all stakeholders on the best solution to implement the STB interoperability.

    AIDCF brought to TRAI’s notice that DPOs and MSOs have invested a huge amount in the STB system to adapt the process of digitisation. And, any sudden change could put DPOs and MSOs in financial risk, which eventually could lead to job losses.

    The associations urged the authority to review the adherence of license conditions of the DTH operators at the field and analyse the behaviour of subscribers with respect to migration from one DTH Player to another.

    Even after the merger of Videocon and Dish TV the platforms are maintaining their separate systems and set top boxes due to no interoperability.  

    AIDCF in its comments said, around 40 million households, availing Free Dish broadcasting services, are using the non-interoperable STBs. The implementation of STB-interoperability would force subscribers to purchase new STBs while shifting to alternate service providers/DPOs.

    Similarly, investment of interoperable STBs is likely to be passed on to the subscribers, which would lead to a rise in consumer price for viewing cable services, added AIDCF.  

    Meanwhile, IBF said: “The authority, in the present consultation paper has stated that though there is de-jure technical interoperability but there is de-facto technical non-interoperability. Despite the presence of provisions relating to interoperability in the existing DTH guidelines, the concept has not yet been implemented owing primarily to the inability to provide get solutions.”

    IBF has also requested the authority to consider the preliminary submissions related to the viability of implementation of STBs: cost, safeguarding content, and no compromise on security, while contemplating any options for the implementation of STB interoperability.  

    “To proceed any further with the consultation, it would be most useful and relevant to conduct a technical and operational session to get a better understanding of the technology and possibly emerge with a proof of concept, prior to commenting on the technology and viability,” IBF suggested.

    The association believes that the introduction of STB interoperability would require a number of technological as well as operational capabilities and change thereby fostering the necessity to introduce content security provisions and anti-piracy mechanisms.

    They have also asked the authority to ensure that the expenditure incurred in acquainting the STBs with interoperability features, does not get irrationally passed on to consumers and that they are not burdened with the increased costs incurred.

    Most importantly, any regulatory provisions should be mandated after confirming viability, quality and standards of the emerging technology and should ensure that the security of the CAS, SMS and other related addressable systems of the DPOs is not compromised and is not susceptible to piracy.

    IBF also raised a concern over Embedded Common Interface (ECI), a solution considered by TRAI to achieve interoperability.

    “ECI does not meet the content security and technology needs of major content providers. ECP includes strong content security features and the ability to forensically watermark content distributed on home devices, set-top boxes, etc. ECI falls short of the ECP requirements. In particular, ECI does not require watermarking and does not create a secure location for a watermark,” IBF added.

  • India has 11.7 cr cable TV subscribers: I&B minister

    India has 11.7 cr cable TV subscribers: I&B minister

    MUMBAI: Replying to a question in the Lok Sabha, the Information and Broadcasting minister Prakash Javadekar said that there are 11.7 crore cable TV subscribers in India as on 30 November 2019. The ministry has accumulated the data through seeding data available from MSOs/LCOs.

    However, accurate figures haven't yet emerged since 100 per cent digitisation is yet to be achieved. Javadekar also mentioned that 100 per cent digitisation of cable TV network has been achieved in 
    Phase-I (4 metro cities), Phase-II (38 cities with population of more
    than 10 lacs) and Phase-III (All other urban areas municipal 
    corporation/ municipalities). In Phase-IV (Rest of India), it is about 
    more than 90 per cent at present.

    The government had adopted an ambitious digitisation plan a few years back to ensure proper flow in the cable TV system that would allow better revenue to be channeled and reduce piracy.

  • I&B ministry seeks change in language for credits in Indian films

    I&B ministry seeks change in language for credits in Indian films

    MUMBAI: Should titles and credits in feature films in Indian languages be shown in English?

    That’s what the Ministry of Information And Broadcasting (I&B) would like to get the industry’s feedback on.

    In a notice issued today, the I&B ministry has announced its intent to include a new provision under rule (22) of the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules 1983 which will enforce the display of titles, casting and credits in the original spoken language of the film, whether Hindi or a regional tongue. This apart, film makers can show the credits in any other language also.

    The I&B ministry says that most film makers tend to run the titles, cast and crew in English even if the language of the film is Hindi or any other Indian language. And since the committee of petitions in the Rajya Sabha has directed that the English practice should be stopped and replaced by Indian languages, the ministry has decided to get the public’s feedback on the proposed amendment before going ahead with it. 

  • I&B ministry gets new secretary in Ravi Mittal

    I&B ministry gets new secretary in Ravi Mittal

    MUMBAI: There’s change at the top of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B). The appointments committee of the cabinet today approved the appointment of Ravi Mittal as the I&B secretary.  Mittal will replace outgoing secretary Amit Khare who has been shifted to the department of higher education as secretary.

    Mittal was earlier the special secretary in the department of financial services, Ministry of Finance. It was only in July this year that Mittal had been promoted from his post as additional secretary from the Ministry of Finance.

    He is a 1986 batch Indian Administrative Services officer of the Bihar cadre. Previously, he has worked as principal secretary (finance), Bihar.

    Khare had been appointed to the secretary’s post on 31 May 2018.

  • TRAI assuages broadcaster fears of NTO review consultation paper at VBS 2019

    TRAI assuages broadcaster fears of NTO review consultation paper at VBS 2019

    MUMBAI: Assuaging fears of  media broadcasters, TRAI advisor (Broadcasting and Cable) Arvind Kumar today said at the Video and Broadband Summit (VBS) 2019 that the new consultation paper on broadcast tariffs is only seeking to address some infirmities in the earlier New Tariff Order (NTO) and will not bring any fundamental changes  to the regulatory framework.

    “Broadcasters should rest assured that the new consultation paper will not seek to decide their channel prices. The only objective of the new consultation paper is to open a debate on how the NTO is impacting the industry and to address some of the infirmities in the NTO,” Kumar said.

    Rejecting industry criticism of floating a consultation paper within months of February NTO, described by many as one of the most fundamental reform in Indian media broadcast industry, Kumar said that serving the interests of the consumers is at the heart of new consultation paper.

    “Consumer interest cannot be ignored in the name of regulatory certainties,” he said, adding as a regulatory body maximization of revenues is not the only objective of TRAI and serving the interests of consumers comes first to TRAI.

    Commending the fundamental changes brought forward by the NTO, Kumar said that the order has brough transparency to the media broadcast industry.

    “Main objective of the industry was transparency and to create a level-playing field for everyone. NTO has empowered the consumer by giving him choice,” he said at VBS 2019, being held today at Hyatt Regency.

    Further, the new system has harmonized the business processes, Kumar said as he commended the industry leaders for successfully transiting to post NTO environment.

    The much-anticipated VBS 2019 will is being held today in Mumbai with participation from prominent media networks, broadcast distributors, media and advertising agencies, consultancy services, OTT platforms, media monitoring firms, as well as government regulatory bodies.

    Among the prominent media networks who will be participating in the summit are Sony Pictures Network, Star India, 9x Media, Enterr10 TV, BBC Global News, IN10 Media, Shemaroo and Zee. From the distributors side DEN Network, Maharashtra Cable Operators Federation, Fastway Transmissions, GTPL Hathway, Tata Sky, SITI Networks, UCN Cable and Ashwini Cable will be participating in the one-day summit at Hyatt Regency, Mumbai.

    Representatives of India’s prominent media agencies like IndiaCast Media, MediaKind, The Remediation Company, IndusInd Media and Communication, One Take Media, Madison Media will be participating in the event held in the shadows of TRAI’s February 2019 New Tariff Order (NTO) and amidst expectations and fears of further changes to the months-old act, described by many as one of the most significant reform in Indian media broadcast industry.

    There will be representation from auditing firms like PwC and KPMG as well. Since broadband service providers are now key to video distribution, there will also be representation from Google, Reliance Jio Fiber, Reliance Jio and Win Broadband.

  • TRAI extends time to receive comments on STB interoperability consultation paper

    TRAI extends time to receive comments on STB interoperability consultation paper

    MUMBAI: TRAI has extended the deadline for receiving comments on the consultation paper ‘Interoperability of Set Top Box (STB)’ for digital TV broadcasting services by 10 days till 18 December. Earlier, the deadline for the same was 9 December.

    The consultation paper was issued by TRAI on 11 November.

    “TRAI had issued a consultation paper on "Interoperability of Set Top Box (STB)" for digital TV broadcasting services on 11 November 2019. The last date for receiving written comments from the stakeholders was fixed as 9 December and thereafter counter comments by 23 December. The stakeholders have sought extension of time for sending their comments on the Consultation Paper,” the regulatory body said in a statement.

    “In view of this, it has been decided to extend the last date for submission of written comments up to 18 December and counter comments by 30 December. No further request for extension would be entertained,” the statement added.

    The consultation paper was issued with a view to eliciting responses from all the stakeholders for suggesting the best solution to implement the interoperability of STB.

    The paper provided a brief overview of various available options and technical solutions for achieving interoperability of STB. It sought responses with detailed justifications for suggesting most optimal and cost-effective solution.

  • Final TDSAT order on Raghav Bahl’s plans to launch Bloomberg Quint expected on 9 Dec

    Final TDSAT order on Raghav Bahl’s plans to launch Bloomberg Quint expected on 9 Dec

    MUMBAI: The final TDSAT order on Horizon Satellite Services’ petition, seeking a name change for its TV license to ‘Bloomberg Quint,’ is expected on December 9.

    Horizon Satellite Services, that owned licenses of two news and current affairs TV channels, was acquired by Quintillion Business Media Private Ltd (QBM), a joint venture between Raghav Bahl and Bloomberg in a 74:26 partnership. After its acquisition by QBM, Horizon sought a name change of the television license it holds.

    Currently, the channel is called "Y TV" and Horizon had made an application to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) to change the name to ‘Bloomberg Quint’.

    Horizon has approached TDSAT after its application seeking a name and logo change for its TV license was pending with the MIB for months.

    The TDSAT order assumes significance as there have been media reports claiming that Bloomberg is expected to exit the JV and is looking for new partners in India on account of Bahl’s failure to secure a TV license for their planned business channel  ‘Bloomberg Quint’. Bahl, however, has called the media reports motivated and blamed it on the ‘competition’.

    "Some nonsense has just been published by our competitor who is getting very nervous about our imminent TV launch. Our application is coming up for a final order on Dec 9; and prospective investors are queuing up to invest with us,” Bahl wrote in a letter to the employees.

    "They have seen the enormous/pioneering success of our digital franchise, and are rather nervous about how we could disrupt their flagship operation!Also, this is a ham-handed ''get back'' at Bloomberg''s article on N18''s sale to TOI. Keep the faith. BQ shall remain in the race, and WIN," he added.

    In the last hearing on November 29, respondent (MIB) requested two weeks’ further time for taking a final decision on the pending application. Horizon opposed the request for more time on the ground their business interests are suffering on account of each day’s delay. Horizon further underlined that the respondent and the concerned authorities should have taken note of the observations in the last order to the effect that TDSAT was “not fully satisfied that the respondent have acted with due expedition”.

    “In such circumstances, this Tribunal feels that granting long time would cause further delay. Hence, the time granted earlier, even in the absence of any formal application, is extended by one week from today. It is expected that this time limit shall not be disregarded by the respondent. Post the matter under the same head on 9.12.2019,” TDSAT said in its order.

  • Draft bill proposes to regulate digital news media

    Draft bill proposes to regulate digital news media

    MUMBAI: The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) has proposed changes to the archaic, colonial-era Press and Registration of Books (PRB) Act, 1867, which will make it mandatory for digital news sites to register themselves with the Registrar of Newspapers of India in “such manner and giving such particulars as may be prescribed”.

    Section 18 of the provisions of the draft Registration of Press and Periodical (RPP) Bill, 2019 – released by the MIB for consultations – stipulates: “The publishers of news on Digital Media shall register themselves with the Registrar of Newspapers of India in such manner and giving such particulars as may be prescribed.”

    The draft bill, if accepted, will bring digital news under the gambit of regulation as currently no news website in India has to “register” with the government or follow any regulations other than what are normally applicable for any form of speech or expression.

    The bill defines news on digital media as "news in digitised format that can be transmitted over the internet, computer or mobile networks and includes text, audio, video and graphics".

    Notably, this is the second attempt by the Narendera Modi government to bring, hitherto, freewheeling digital news media under some sort of regulation. Earlier in August, the Union cabinet said it was introducing a 26 per cent cap on foreign direct investment for news websites subjecting to official approval on a case by case basis.

    Rules for government advertisement

    Besides, the draft bill would enable the central and the state governments to frame appropriate rules and regulations to regulate the criteria and conditions for issuing government advertisements in newspapers, accreditation of newspapers and such other facilities for newspapers.

    The process of title and registration of periodicals including newspapers is proposed to be effected centrally by the Press Registrar General as a simultaneous process, the draft bill says.

    Editors to be Indian citizens

    The bill also makes it mandatory for editors to be Indian citizens. It defines editor as “an individual, whether called editor, chief editor, group editor or editor-in-chief or by any other name called, being a citizen of India and is ordinarily resident in India responsible for the selection and finalization of the content of a periodical".

    Ban on persons who have “done anything against the security of the state”

    Another notable feature in the draft bill, that is raising some concerns, is that the bill enables the government to ban any individual who have “done anything against the security of the state” from bringing any publication. As such, the phrase “done anything against the security of the state” is ambiguous and open-ended.

    The ministry has sought comments on the draft bill, released earlier this week, from stakeholders over the next 30 days.

  • MIB grants registration to 139 MSOs in 2019

    MIB grants registration to 139 MSOs in 2019

    MUMBAI: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has published a document listing all the registered multi system operators (MSO) in the country. As per the document, there are 1606 registered MSOs in India as on 26 November 2019.

    Eleven MSOs were granted registration in the month of November 2019. A total of 139 MSOs were granted registration in the years 2019. Surprisingly, just one MSO, Sharma Cable Network, was granted registration in the entire of 2018 as per the document.

    All the granted registrations are valid for a period of 10 years. Some of the companies named are Shree Sai Vision, Ajanta Sky Darshan, Zee Communications, Home Vu Digital Cable and Broadband, Mediatech Communication, etc.

    The MIB mentioned that all registered MSOs can operate anywhere in India, unless indicated otherwise.

    A day before, certain MSOs had approached the ministry regarding the status of their applications in an open house meeting.

    Earlier this year, TRAI released recommendations on MSO registrations stating that there was no need to fix a minimum entry net worth.

    You can access the full list here

  • Dish TV pays Star India 2nd instalment towards outstanding arrears

    Dish TV pays Star India 2nd instalment towards outstanding arrears

    MUMBAI: Dish TV has paid the invoice for the month of September to Star India amid the ongoing payment dispute between the leading direct-to-home (DTH) operator and the broadcaster. Along with the current invoice, the second instalment towards the outstanding arrears has been paid as stated in a daily order of the Telecom Disputes Settlements and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) dated 21 November.

    Earlier, TDSAT ruled that Dish TV should pay the admitted dues to Star India by the end of November 2019 in three equal instalments by the end of September, October and November 2019.

    The latest order says that senior counsel for the DTH platform hinted that the petitioner is entitled to certain incentives in terms of the agreement enunciated and the circular of the respondent dated 27 September.  He also submitted that the invoices for the incentives have already been raised and submitted.  According to him, an early resolution of the demand for incentive would ease the burden upon them in making further payments.

    At the same time, the counsel for Star India submitted that these invoices have been raised simultaneously for several months and, therefore, verification is taking some time.  However, he assured that the task shall be completed and a suitable reply will be given to the petitioner informing whatever is found admissible by way of incentives. 

    Dish TV filed a petition in TDSAT against a disconnection notice issued by star India in July. Star India supplied a chart supplied to the TDSAT explaining Dish TV’s liabilities which mentioned a balance outstanding of Rs 83,70,895 on 22 July in respect of billing till January 2019. The tribunal noted that for the month of February to May 2019, the DTH operator has been billed for a further amount of Rs 284 crore including the earlier outstanding balance. Star India also mentioned that it has not included the interest component.

    “Having considered the earlier order and the stand of the parties, we are of the view that in addition to the liability to clear the current invoice as indicated above, the petitioner should liquidate the entire arrears to the extent admitted and already noted by end of November 2019 and for this petitioner shall pay the remaining outstanding dues towards the arrears in three equal instalments by end of September, October and November 2019,” TDSAT had said in its order.

    The matter has been posted under the same head to 11 December.