ITV

Tag: Broadcasters

  • I&B Ministry to hold Open House Meetings with broadcasters

    I&B Ministry to hold Open House Meetings with broadcasters

    NEW DELHI: The Information and Broadcasting Ministry, which had asked prospective broadcasters to deal directly with the Ministry, has now decided to hold Open House Meetings. The meeting which will be held twice a month will give more opportunity for access to information with respect to processing of increasing number of broadcasters’ requests.

     

    The Open House Meetings will commence from next month with regard to permissions for television channels or teleports and not to appoint any intermediaries or consultants.

     

    All broadcasters have been asked to send e-mails to dirbc-moib@nic.in and navil.kapur@nic.in at least one day in advance so that latest information can be provided. 

     

    Earlier on 11 June, the Ministry had issued a public notice, similar to the one issued late last year, according to which anyone who wished to apply for permission to start a television channel, teleport or various permissions under the Uplinking and Downlinking guidelines, could seek clarifications at the Open House held every month for the purpose and also get information on pending issues.

     

    The Ministry will not entertain any intermediary, consultant, advisor, consultancy organisation or firm to liaise with the Ministry on behalf of applicants and permission holders for following up on their requests.

     

    The Ministry follows an absolutely transparent and open process to grant various permissions to television channels, teleport operators, news agencies etc.

     

    In addition, the Ministry has also put in place a specialised software, Satellite Television Channels Application Tracking System (STATS), for those who have already applied to the Ministry for various permissions. An ID and password has been given to all of them to track the status of their pending applications.

     

    The Ministry is in the process of automating the entire Broadcasting Wing to ensure that an online mechanism is brought for various applications. Once in operation, this web enabled software will help applicants to apply online and also make payments of various fees etc., through the payment gateway.

     

    All applicants and permission holders have therefore been advised not to approach anyone who claims to be an advisor, consultant or facilitator on behalf of applicants.

  • I&B asks broadcasters, teleport ops to update contact information by 30 June

    I&B asks broadcasters, teleport ops to update contact information by 30 June

    NEW DELHI: A third round of warning has been issued to the broadcasters and teleport operators by the Information and Broadcasting Ministry to supply full details relating to the companies operating them. The deadline set for the same is 30 June.

     

    It is the responsibility of the company to intimate any changes promptly, the Ministry pointed out. 

    It can be recalled that while similar notices had been issued on 9 April and 23 April, not all the broadcasters and teleport operators have submitted the required details.

     

    In letters sent to all television channels and teleport operators, the Ministry has asked among other things for contact details of the company including the registered address, any additional address, e-mail IDs and telephone and fax numbers.

     

    In addition, the channels and teleport operators have been asked to supply the name of the authorised representative with his/her e-mail ID and mobile number.

     

    The information has to be sent from the company’s e-mail to broadcastercontactdetails@gmail.com.

  • I&B Ministry to create online mechanism for all applications for TV channels, teleports

    I&B Ministry to create online mechanism for all applications for TV channels, teleports

    NEW DELHI: The Information and Broadcasting Ministry has once again asked prospective broadcasters to deal directly with the Ministry with regards to permissions for television channels or teleports and not appoint any intermediaries or consultants.

     

    In a public notice issued today by Joint Secretary (Broadcasting) Supriya Sahu, similar to the one issued late last year, the Ministry said anyone who wishes to apply for permission to start a television channel, teleport or various permissions under the Uplinking and Downlinking guidelines, can seek clarifications at the Open House held every month for the purpose and also get information on pending issues.

     

    The Ministry will not entertain any intermediary, consultant, advisor, consultancy organisation or firm to liaise with the Ministry on behalf of applicants and permission holders for following up on their requests.

     

    The Ministry follows an absolutely transparent and open process to grant various permissions to television channels, teleport operators, news agencies etc.

     

    In addition, the Ministry has also put in place a specialised software, Satellite Television Channels Application Tracking System (STATS), for those who have already applied to the Ministry for various permissions. An lD and password have been given to all of them to track the status of their pending applications.

     

    The Ministry is in the process of automating the entire Broadcasting Wing to ensure that an online mechanism is brought for various applications. Once in operation, this web enabled software will help applicants to apply online and also make payments of various fees etc., through the payment gateway.

     

    All applicants and permission holders have therefore been advised not to approach anyone who claims to be an advisor, consultant or facilitator on behalf of applicants. 

  • Appeals against tariff increases of 27.5 per cent in DAS to be heard in August

    Appeals against tariff increases of 27.5 per cent in DAS to be heard in August

    NEW DELHI: The Telecom and Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) today directed the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to respond by 4 July to a petition challenging the legality of tariff orders allowing the increase of 27.5 per cent inflationary rise in the wholesale prices prevailing as on 31 March 2004.

     

    TDSAT chairman Justice Aftab Alam and member Kuldip Singh said any other stakeholders including broadcasters could intervene by 16 July and the appeal would be heard on 4 August.

     

    Meanwhile, the broadcasters will retain in a separate account, any payments received as tariff, as this would be subject to the final order of the Tribunal.

     

    The appeals wanted TRAI to be directed to carry de-novo exercise in accordance with the statutory provision for price fixation for addressable system de-linking the same from the wholesale price of channels for non addressable system.

     

    In the appeals filed by Home Cable Network and the consumer organisation Centre for Transforming India, the legality of Tariff Order (Telecommunications (Broadcasting and Cable) Services (Second) Tariff (Eleventh Amendment) Order 2014 dated 31 March this year allowing the increase of 27.5 per cent inflationary rise in the wholesale prices prevailing as on 31 March 2004 has been challenged.

     

    The appellants have also challenged the impugned tariff order dated 31 March 2014 on the ground that the same has been passed in violation of Section 11(4) without affording any hearing opportunity to the stakeholders and without considering the relevant material and reports.

     

    Furthermore, the impugned tariff order is without jurisdiction because it still provides for adhoc measure of price freeze as on 31 March 2014 even after 10 years of second tariff order dated 1 October 2004 while abdicating it regulatory duty to fix the tariff.

     

    The impugned tariff order has adversely impacted the interest of the addressable platform because the wholesale pricing of the addressable system is based on the wholesale pricing of the non addressable platform; Fourthly that the impugned tariff is heavily tilted towards broadcasters and seriously prejudices the interest of the consumers, MSO’s and stifles orderly growth of the cable and broadcasting sector.

     

    Counsel Vivek Sareen argued that TRAI ignored the fact that the wholesale pricing of non addressable system and addressable system are inter related. The wholesale price for addressable platform is derived from the wholesale price of non addressable system. By its order, TRAI indirectly and in substance increased the wholesale price for addressable platform / DAS notified area. The said increase in the wholesale price for addressable platform is affected in violation of section 11(4) of the Act.    

     

    TRAI completely disregarded the fact that by changing the content pricing and increasing the same by 27.5 per cent with reference to the price existed immediately prior to 31 March 2014, this will immediately increase the price of content for addressable platform. The authority did not provide any hearing opportunity to the stakeholders including the appellants to represent their view as a stakeholder in the consultation process.

     

    It was stated that TRAI had rushed to issue the impugned order thereby increasing the wholesale price for addressable platform by 15 per cent with effect from 1 April 2014. Thus the impugned order failed to take into account the inputs from such stakeholders.

  • TRAI to hold MSO-MCOF meet in Mumbai

    TRAI to hold MSO-MCOF meet in Mumbai

    MUMBAI: Maharashtra Cable Operators Federation (MCOF) that had recently approached the Bombay High Court challenging the payment of entertainment tax, billing and the carriage fee has now approached the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to seek answers on the constitution of revenue share.

     

    “While the TRAI says that there should be a revenue share between the multi system operators (MSOs) and last mile owners (LMOs) on the subscription fee the LMO collects from the consumer, is that the only revenue in this cable TV universe?” questions MCOF president Arvind Prabhoo.

     

    According to Prabhoo, there should be clear definition of constitutes revenue. “Apart from subscription revenue, there is carriage fee revenue, advertising revenue and even activation revenue. So why it that these revenues are not shared amongst all the stakeholders of the cable TV system?” he asks.

     

    “Who decides what revenue is?” questions Prabhoo.

     

    With regards to this, a meeting has been called between the MSOs and MCOF by TRAI. “I had met N Parameswaran earlier this month and had discussed these issues with him. With regards to this, TRAI has decided to hold a meeting in Mumbai between MCOF and MSOs,” informs Prabhoo.

     

    When Indiantelevision.com contacted TRAI principal advisor N Parameswaran he confirmed the meeting, but said that no particular date was yet decided. “We will be holding a meeting between the two in order to address issues of billing,” concludes Parameswaran.  

  • I &B Ministry asks broadcasters to update contact information

    I &B Ministry asks broadcasters to update contact information

    NEW DELHI: The Information & Broadcasting Ministry (I&B) has asked the broadcasters and teleport operators to provide full details relating to the companies operating them. The stakeholders will need to furnish the report by March end.

     

    The I&B has pointed out that it is the responsibility of the company to intimate any changes to the Ministry promptly.

     

    In a letter sent to all the television channels and teleport operators, the Ministry has asked among other things for contact details of the company including the registered address, any additional address, e-mail IDs, telephone and fax numbers.

     

    In addition, the channels and teleports have been asked to supply the name of the authorised representative with his/her e-mail ID and mobile number.

  • TRAI plea in SC for raising pay channel tariff cap

    TRAI plea in SC for raising pay channel tariff cap

    MUMBAI: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has petitioned the Supreme Court to allow it to raise the ceiling on tariff for pay channels distributed in non-addressable areas.

     

    The tariff for pay channels in areas where cable TV is distributed through analogue technology has remained capped at the pre-2009 rates, following a direction by the Supreme Court in March 2009 for maintenance of status quo.

     

    TRAI says there is a need for reviewing the ceiling to adjust the tariff for pay channels in non-addressable areas for inflation.

     

    The court is likely to hear the TRAI plea towards the end of March.

     

    TRAI in its appeal to the SC says, “The present tariff was based on the figures of 2009 and the appellant is of the view that an across the board adjustments be provided in respect of tariff to compensate for increased costs on account of inflation.”

     

    The TRAI had amended the tariff order of 2007 by providing for a 7 per cent increase on account of inflation effective from the year 2009.

     

    TRAI says, “The authority since then has not been able to revise the tariff for non-addressable systems, even though more than five years have passed.”

     

    Before 2009, the tariff orders were amended periodically, thereby providing for adjustments for inflation.  No such exercise has been undertaken after 2009.

     

    The TRAI through its appeal has informed the Supreme Court that it had in its ‘Recommendations on Issues relating to Broadcasters and Distribution of TV Channels’ provided for a provision to periodically review the ceiling on tariff to make adjustments for inflation.

     

    “According to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, a substantial increase in the price has taken place and the ceiling thus needs to be reviewed immediately,” reads TRAI’s appeal to the SC, a copy of which is with Indiantelevision.com.

     

    According to the current tariff ceiling, the subscriber for up to 20 pay channels and minimum 30 free to air (FTA) channels in A1 and A class cities has to pay not more than Rs 160, in B1 and B class cities not exceeding Rs 140 and in other areas not more than Rs 130.

     

    Likewise for more than 20 and up to 30 pay channels and minimum 30 FTA channels, the subscriber in A1 and A class cities has to pay not more than Rs 200, in B1 and B class cities not exceeding Rs 170 and in other areas not more than Rs 160.

     

    For viewing more than 30 and up to 45 pay channels, the subscriber as per the tariff has to pay not exceeding Rs 235 in A1 and A class cities, Rs 200 in B1 and B class cities and not exceeding Rs 185 in other cities.

     

    Also for viewing more than 45 pay channels and minimum 30 FTA channels, subscribers, according to the current ceiling on tariff, has to pay not more than Rs 260 in A1 and A class cities, Rs 220 in B1 and B class cities and Rs 200 in other cities.

     

    While the broadcasters would welcome over the appeal by TRAI, but cable operators feel the subscription charges for consumers in non-addressable areas will rise by as much as 36 per cent if the ceiling is approved.

  • Now MipTV roadshow to hit Bengaluru today

    Now MipTV roadshow to hit Bengaluru today

    BENGALURU: Today is the turn of India’s garden city Bengaluru (Bangalore)  to get insights on  how its animation, gaming, TV channel and production and film executives can take audiovisual content from Karnataka global through markets such as MipTV and MipCom which have been organised in Cannes for decades now.

     

    An intimate audience in Chennai  (having a similar profile) engaged with Reed Midem representatives Ted Baracos, Paul Barbaro and India representative Anil Wanvari on 20 January.

     

    “Bengaluru has built up its reputation as India’s Silicon Valley,” says Baracos. “We, at Reed Midem, would love to see it known for its prowess in the media and entertainment space too. MipTV and MipCom offer the biggest gatherings of buying and selling executives from TV and digital from all over the world, and can work well to catapult Bengaluru in front of these folks. It could well serve as a good starting point to start the Karnataka content export engine to new markets.”

     

    “For that to successfully happen, Karnataka’s industry will have to take a bold step in wanting to be a part of a content export  economy which runs into billions of dollars each year,” adds Barbaro. “In recent times, Korea, Russia, Turkey and even provinces in China have been step by step increasing their initiatives in this direction. There is a huge pie out there in the 100 or so countries that participate in MipCom and MipTV respectively.”

     

    To reach out to the community in Bengaluru, a partnership was struck by Reed Midem  with the Association of Bangalore’s Animation Industry (ABAI) a couple of years ago. And today’s get together will see that relationship bearing fruit as ABAI is sending scores of its representatives to attend the seminar entitled “Content without boundaries.”

     

    “MipTV offers scores of opportunities: right from simple syndication to co-production to licensing to co-creation,” says Wanvari. “The neighouring state of Andhra Pradesh has already taken strides in that direction and its government has been encouraging producers and creators to go global. I believe Karnataka’s content production industry can use these opportunities to gradually get their revenues moving northward.”

     

    The industry get together will take place this evening at the Hotel Aloft in the swanky IT district – the Whitefield area – from 7:00 pm onwards. 

     

    The road show will next move to Mumbai where a seminar is planned for 24 January.

  • Man Jit Singh likely to continue as IBF president

    Man Jit Singh likely to continue as IBF president

    MUMBAI: It was in early January of this year, that a major announcement emerged from MultiScreen Media (MSM – Sony Entertainment) wherein NP Singh was announced as CEO of the network, replacing Man Jit Singh. 

     

    The industry hadn’t digested the news when another one broke which stated that  Man Jit Singh was being moved into a global position as president of  Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, replacing David Bishop who will depart in March when his contract expires.

     

    What this elevation means is that Man Jit Singh will now be located in Los Angeles (LA). 

     

    So what does it mean for Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF) of which he is the president?

     

    Last year in September, the IBF re-elected Singh as its president at its 14th annual general meeting. But with him spending more time in LA, will IBF look for someone else to take his place? 

     

    No, comes the unanimous response from highly placed industry sources. An IBF representative states that:  “Man Jit Singh will continue to preside over the body as the president. For us, things are working smoothly and we don’t expect to see any changes.”

     

    Another source from the industry who is in agreement adds, “There is a board meeting to discuss the issue on 16 of this month but we see status quo being maintained.”

     

    When we called up Man Jit Singh to get his view on the same, he was unreachable. However, sources reveal he will be jetting to and fro between India and the US even now like he used to earlier. “He is used to the travel and has been doing it for ages now, so we don’t think distance is going to change anything.”

  • Cabinet gives go-ahead to TV ratings regulatory mechanism

    Cabinet gives go-ahead to TV ratings regulatory mechanism

    NEW DELHI:  The Union Cabinet today gave the go-ahead to the television ratings guidelines ,which had earlier been proposed by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) in September 2013, cleared by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) in November. The ministry had then forwarded the proposed guidelines for the cabinet’s approval. With the cabinet’s clearance the MIB will now have regulatory control over TV ratings agencies in India.

     

    This was disclosed by MIB minister Manish Tewari after the cabinet meeting.

     

    The guidelines cover detailed procedures for registration of ratings agencies, eligibility norms, terms and conditions of registration, cross holding restrictions, methodology of audience measurement, a complaint redressal mechanism, sales and use of ratings, audit, disclosure norms, reporting requirements and action on non-compliance of guidelines etc.

     

    The guidelines state that TV ratings providers – including TAM Media which is the industry standard currently – will have to first get registered with the MIB. The registration will be given to them only if they comply with the rules the TV ratings guidelines have enumerated. Among these figure:

     

    * No single company / legal entity either directly or through its associates or interconnect undertakings shall have substantial equity holding that is, 10 percent or more of paid up equity in both rating agencies and broadcasters/advertisers/advertising agencies. 

     

    * The ratings agency should have a net worth of at least Rs 20 crore.

     

    * Panel homes for audience measurement shall be drawn from the pool of households selected through an establishment survey. A minimum panel size of 20,000 is to be implemented within six months of the guidelines coming into force. Thereafter the panel size shall be increased by 10,000 every year until it reaches 50,000. 

     

    * Ratings ought to be technology neutral and shall capture data across multiple viewing platforms viz. cable TV, Direct-to- Home (DTH), Terrestrial TV etc. 

     

    * Secrecy and privacy of the panel homes must be maintained. 25 percent of panel homes shall be rotated every year. 

     

     * The rating agency shall submit the detailed methodology to the Government and also publish it on its website. 

     

    * The rating agency shall set up an effective complaint redressal system with a toll free number. 

     

    * The rating agency shall set up an internal audit mechanism to get its entire methodology/processes audited internally on quarterly basis and through an independent auditor annually. All audit reports to be put on the website of the rating agency. Government and TRAI reserve the right to audit the systems /procedures/mechanisms of the rating agency. 

     

    * Non-compliance of guidelines on cross-holding, methodology, secrecy, privacy, audit, public disclosure and reporting requirements shall lead to forfeiture of two bank guarantees worth Rs 1 crore furnished by the company in the first instance, and, in the second instance shall lead to cancellation of registration. For violation of other provisions of the guidelines, the action shall be forfeiture of bank guarantee of Rs. 25 lakh for the first instance of non-compliance, forfeiture of bank guarantee of Rs 75 lakh for the second instance of non-compliance and for the third instance, cancellation of registration. 

     

    * A time of 30  days would be given to the existing rating agency to comply with the guidelines. 

     

    * The guidelines would come into effect immediately from the date of notification. 

     

    The Guidelines for Television Rating Agencies in India are designed to address aberrations in the existing television rating system. These guidelines are aimed at making television ratings transparent, credible and accountable. The agencies operating in this field have to comply with directions relating to public disclosure, third party audit of their mechanisms and transparency in the methodologies adopted. This would help make rating agencies accountable to stakeholders such as the Government, broadcasters, advertisers, advertising agencies and above all the people. 

     

    Television Rating Points (TRPs) have been a much debated issue in India since the present system of TRPs has reportedly not found favour with industry, consumer groups, broadcasters, agencies, government who have said they are riddled with several maladies such as small sample size which is not representative, lack of transparency, lack of reliability and credibility of data etc.

     

    In 2008, the MIB had sought recommendations of TRAI on various issues relating to TRPs and policy guidelines to be adopted for rating agencies. TRAI, in its recommendations in August 2008, had amongst other things recommended the approach of self-regulation through the establishment of an industry-led body, that is the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC). 

     

    The MIB had constituted a Committee under the Chairmanship of Dr. Amit Mitra, the then Secretary General FICCI, in 2010 to review the existing TRP system In India. The committee also recommended that self-regulation of TRPs by the industry was the best way forward. 

     

    Since, the BARC could not operationalise the TRP generating mechanism, the  sought recommendations of TRAI in September 2013 on comprehensive guidelines/accreditation mechanism for television rating agencies in India to ensure fair competition, better standards and quality of services by television rating agencies. TRAI recommendations on Guideline for Television Rating Agencies were received in September 2013. While supporting self-regulation of television ratings through an industry-led body like BARC, TRAI recommended that television rating agencies shall be regulated through a framework in the form of guidelines to be notified by MIB. It also recommended that all rating agencies, including the existing rating agency, shall require registration with MIB in accordance with the terms and conditions prescribed under the guidelines.