ITV

Tag: Downlinking

  • TRAI issues consultation paper on regulatory framework for ground-based broadcasters

    TRAI issues consultation paper on regulatory framework for ground-based broadcasters

    Mumbai: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has issued a consultation paper titled ‘Regulatory framework for ground-based Broadcasters’, inviting input from stakeholders on the need for a regulatory framework to govern ground-based television broadcasting technologies.

    The ministry of information and broadcasting (MIB) has, over the years, issued guidelines for the uplinking and downlinking of satellite television channels in India. These guidelines mandate that broadcasters use satellite-based mediums to provide their channels to distribution platform operators (DPOs). However, advancements in technology have now made it feasible for broadcasters to distribute their content terrestrially. Like satellite-based television, terrestrial broadcasting can also be carried over multiple DPO networks, allowing commercial retransmission to subscribers.

    In light of these technological advancements, there is now a recognised need for a regulatory framework to enable the use of ground-based broadcasting technologies.

    TRAI had earlier forwarded recommendations on the regulation of platform services, including those relevant to ground-based broadcasters, to the MIB in 2014. However, the MIB’s recent communication, dated 22 May 2024, notes that while guidelines on platform services were issued in 2022, the context surrounding TRAI’s 2014 recommendations regarding ground-based broadcasting may have evolved. The MIB has thus requested TRAI to review and issue fresh recommendations under Section 11(1)(a) of the TRAI Act, 1997.

    In response, TRAI is now seeking comments on the newly released consultation paper. Stakeholders are invited to submit their comments by 15 November 2024, with counter-comments due by 29 November 2024. Comments can be submitted electronically to advbcs-2@trai.gov.in and jtadv-bcs@trai.gov.in.

  • I&B ministry extends deadline to submit comments on draft policy guidelines for uplinking, downlinking

    I&B ministry extends deadline to submit comments on draft policy guidelines for uplinking, downlinking

    MUMBAI: The ministry of information and broadcasting (MIB) has extended the time till 7 June for submitting suggestions or comments on draft policy guidelines for uplinking and downlinking of television channels. MIB published the guidelines on 30 April.

    The last guidelines for uplinking and downlinking of satellite television channels were issued by the ministry in 2011. 

    MIB drafted the suggestions after consulting with stakeholders and also invited comments on the draft from them within the 15 days of publishing it. But some of the stakeholders expressed inability to draw up the response within the time limit requesting a further extension of the deadline. 

    Here are the major guidelines issued by MIB:

    Online application on Broadcast Seva for teleport or TV channels 

    A company or Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) may apply on Broadcast Seva on payment of processing fees for setting up a Teleport or Teleport Hub and uplinking, downlinking of a news TV channel or a non-news TV channel. The online application shall be processed from the standpoint of eligibility conditions and shall be subject to clearance and approval by the department of space, ministry of home affairs, and whenever considered necessary, by the department of revenue, ministry of finance. However, if considered necessary, the ministry may cause inspection of the physical premise or location.

    Regulations for logo and name of a channel

    For uplinking a news channel or a non-news channel, it has to furnish the proposed name and the logo of the channel along with a trademarks registration certificate regarding the ownership of the name and logo during applying. A company/LLP shall display on the permitted TV channel only that name and logo which has been approved by the ministry. Hence, display of name and logo which has not been permitted or the display of dual logos would be treated as a violation of the guidelines.

    Operational status of a permitted TV channel

    A TV channel is required to remain operational during the currency of the permission.  Where a TV channel is unable to remain operational for a continuous period of more than 60 days, the company/LLP shall inform the ministry of the status along with reasons for the channel remaining non-operational. Provided that failure to inform the ministry regarding non-operational status of a channel beyond a continuous period of 60 days will be deemed to be a violation under the guidelines. Moreover, the channel shall not remain non-operational for a continuous period exceeding 90 days.

    Live telecast of events

    · A news channel which is given permission under these guidelines may uplink news and current affairs content by using the Satellite News Gathering (SNG)/ Digital Satellite News Gathering (DSNG) equipment permitted to it, or hiring such equipment owned by any other permitted news channel owner or a teleport operator, after registering such hiring by means of an application on Broadcast Seva portal.

    ·  A non-news channel having permission under this guideline may, for the purpose of broadcasting an event live (other than an event which is in the nature of news and current affairs), irrespective of the technology used for uplinking the event, register itself online on Broadcast Seva, at least five days preceding the first date of a live event, furnishing such details and documents as may be specified in the application for registration, including the following date, time, venue and name of the event; the channel’s/ teleport’s willingness to broadcast/ uplink the proposed programme/event; due authorization of the event owner along with specific dates and timings of the proposed programme/event, a valid WPC license issued to the teleport operator, where a SNG/DSNG equipment or any such technology is used requiring WPC license, where an equipment or technology other than SNG/ DSNG is used, detailed specifications thereof.

    ·  A foreign news channel/agency may be granted permission up to one year at a time for live uplinking from time to time through a pre-designated teleport, by way of an application made in this regard online on the Broadcast Seva Portal.

    Transfer of permission of a television channel or teleport 

    A TV channel or a teleport can be transferred by a company/LLP, to another entity only with prior approval of the ministry. However, transfer under the sub-section shall be permitted under the following situations:

    Merger/demerger/ amalgamation duly approved by the court/ tribunal in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2013, and the company/LLP files a copy of the order of the court/tribunal sanctioning the said scheme; transfer of business or undertaking in accordance with the provisions of applicable law, and the company/ LLP files a copy of the agreement/ arrangement executed between itself and the transferee company/LLP; transfer within group company, and the company files an undertaking stating that the transfer is within the group companies.

    Uplinking of television channels for viewing only in foreign countries

    TV channels operating in India and uplinked from India but meant only for foreign viewership are required to ensure compliance of the rules and regulations of the country for which content is being produced and uplinked.

    A channel owned by a foreign company/entity may be allowed to uplink its content to be viewed outside India by using the facility of a permitted teleport operator by way of an online application on Broadcast Seva furnished on its behalf by the concerned teleport operator.

  • MIB issues notice to 69 channels to provide technical parameters with EMMC

    MIB issues notice to 69 channels to provide technical parameters with EMMC

    MUMBAI: Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has issued a notice instructing 69 private satellite channels to provide complete set of technical parameters with Electronic  Media Monitoring Centre (EMMC)  of the ministry. While the notice was issues on 25 September, the channels have been asked to provide necessary details within 15 days.

    “It has been brought to the notice of this ministry that 69 private satellite TV channels permitted by this ministry (list attached) have not shared their technical parameters with Electronic Media Monitoring Centre (EMMC) of this Ministry,” the MIB said in the notice.

    MIB also highlighted in the notice that clause 5.5 of the extant uplinking guidelines mandate broadcasters to provide for the necessary monitoring facility at its own cost  for  monitoring  of  programmes  or  content   by the representatives of  the MIB or any  other  government agency  as  and  when  so required.

    ”Accordingly,  all   the   concerned    broadcaster    companies  are   required   to   provide complete  set of technical  parameters I Cam Module I VC Card (for pay channel)  in respect of their permitted  TV channel(s) to EMMC  for content  acquisition purpose  positively  within  15 days  of  issue  of  this  notice,  failing  which  action  shall  be initiated  in accordance with  the uplinking  guidelines, 2011,” the ministry stated.

  • MIB permits name change of 21 satellite channels

    MIB permits name change of 21 satellite channels

    MUMBAI: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has approved a total of 21 applications from satellite channels for name change.

    Among the newly renamed channels, ABP News HD, Sony Marathi HD, Colors Rishtey, Colors Cineplex, Times Now World, Colors Cineplex HD are some of the significant ones.

    ABN News HD is the new name for ABP Kannada, Sony Marathi HD for Ten Golf HD, Colors Rishtey for Rishtey, Colors Cineplex for Rishtey Cineplex, Times Now World for the earlier Times now HD and Colors Cineplex HD for Cineplex HD respectively. The ministry also recently granted permission to Star India to rename Movies Ok as Star Gold 2.

  • MIB restricts eligibility for temporary uplinking for non-news events

    MIB restricts eligibility for temporary uplinking for non-news events

    MUMBAI: In a fresh notice, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has laid out a new norm for temporary uplinking applications for live coverage of non-news and current affairs TV channels. Now, only those channels and teleport operators that are already permitted by the MIB will be eligible to apply for temporary permits. This notification comes into effect immediately.

    It reiterated that no other entity apart from permitted broadcasters and teleport owners will be given permissions for uplinking in the case of temporary live events.

    The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) had suggested its recommendations to ease norms for uplinking and downlinking of TV channels. The MIB later stated that these suggestions were under consideration but did not give any time frame for making them into regulations. These norms last came into effect in 2011.

  • MIB seeks details to simply forex payments for broadcasters, teleport ops

    MIB seeks details to simply forex payments for broadcasters, teleport ops

    MUMBAI: In what it says is aimed at further easing norms for doing broadcast business, the government has asked for particulars from TV channels and teleport operators using services of foreign satellites for uplinking and temporary uplinking so payment of foreign exchange processes could be simplified.

    Broadcasters need to provide the name of the company, name of the service provider, name of the country of the service provider, purpose for bandwidth utilization, service order number and validity of agreement, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting said in a recent advisory.

    In 2014, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) advised all broadcast companies and teleport operators to strictly follow the guidelines under the provisions of the FEMA Act 1999 and a notice by the RBI requiring prior approval of the MIB for making remittance of foreign exchange towards availing transponder services on foreign satellite for up-linking of TV channels/teleport services/DSNG operations/temporary events.

    The TRAI has also urged (http://www.indiantelevision.com/regulators/trai/trai-releases-recommendations-on-easing-broadcast-business-180226) the government to simplify the norms regarding licensing and clearance processes for broadcast companies. It even suggested that satellite spectrum allocation must be done through the year for the convenience of broadcasters.

    It asked for streamlining of process for granting permission, giving security clearances within 60 days and setting up an integrated portal for everyone’s convenience.

    Late last year, the ministry had asked TRAI (http://www.indiantelevision.com/regulators/trai/trai-paper-seeks-to-streamline-uplinking-downlinking-norms-171219 )to come up with a new set of rules for uplinking and downlinking norms since the previous one was six years old and technological advances have changed the broadcast sector. One of the key questions was whether there was a need to redefine the meaning of news and current affairs and non-news channels.

  • MIB cancelled 14 channels’ permissions on MHA advice

    MIB cancelled 14 channels’ permissions on MHA advice

    MUMBAI: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) is getting strict on giving channel licences, even cancelling some. 14 channels, whose licence was cancelled by the MIB due to security denial by Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), challenged the decision and have got a stay order from the High Court.

    Out of these fourteen channels, twelve channels are news channels and two are non-news channels. Mahua Media Private Limited, Mavis Satcom Limited, STV Enterprises Limited, Alliance Broadcasting Private Limited are the concerned parties.

    After cancelling permission to 236 channels, the number of private satellite TV channels having valid permission in India stands at 867 as on 30 June 2018. While 384 channels are news channels, the rest i.e. 483 are non-news channels.

    According to earlier statistics, the total number of private satellite and pay TV channels stood at 875 as on 28 February, 2018. In the last one year, there has been a dearth of licences being handed out. The earlier part of 2018 saw the addition of just two channels namely Discovery Jeet HD and DSport HD.

    Of the 867 permitted private satellite channels, TV channels permitted for uplink from India and also to downlink into India are 766 among which 364 are news channels and 402 are non-news channels. Five news and eleven non-news channel are permitted for uplink from India but not downlink into the country. 85 TV channels are uplinked from abroad which only have downlinking permission in India. This category includes 15 news and 70 non-news channel.

  • Amit Khare appointed as new MIB secretary

    Amit Khare appointed as new MIB secretary

    MUMBAI: Jharkhand state development commissioner and a whistle-blower civil servant Amit Khare has been named as the new secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB). He will take over from NK Sinha who is due to superannuate on 31 May 2018 after a comparatively quiet stint of approximately nine months at a high profile ministry that has constantly remained in the news after finance minister Arun Jaitley gave up the MIB portfolio in 2016 to concentrate on India’s economy.

    The announcement regarding MIB and Khare came on Friday as part of a big bureaucratic reshuffle initiated by the government that is now gearing up for general elections either late this year or first half next year as its five-year term in New Delhi officially comes to an end in May 2019.

    Khare is a 1985 batch Indian Administrative Service officer and is presently serving in Jharkhand. Considered an upright civil servant, he is credited for unearthing the multi-million dollar fodder scam two decades ago in Bihar for which some powerful politicians, including former Bihar chief minister Lalu Yadav, and senior officials have been handed jail sentences of varied time periods.

    Meanwhile, media industry observers hoped that with Khare’s arrival next month and junior minister Rajyavardhan Rathore entrusted with independent charge of MIB last week, some freshness and action would also arrive at the ministry, which has been under fire in recent months for not only taking controversial policy decisions (one of them relating to regulation of fake news being rolled back after PM’s Office intervened), but also angering its own foot soldiers or the Indian Information Service officials by arbitrary transfer postings and allegedly bungling on a film award event where the president of the country was to be present.

    A senior TV executive on condition of anonymity said both Rathore and Khare would hopefully end power games within MIB and actually work to live up to PM Modi’s claims of easing norms for doing business in India; especially as the media industry has been straining to get some helping hand from the government in difficult economic times when the sector is still in the process of recovering from after-effects of demonetisation of high value currency notes in 2016 and a new tax regime of goods and services tax of 2017.   

    Rathore’s senior Smriti Irani, a former TV actress who was handed the dual charge of MIB along with textiles ministry almost a year back, has somehow been in the news for wrong reasons and was divested of the portfolio last week when the Prime Minister initiated a reshuffle of his cabinet colleagues.

    Broadcast industry has been complaining of arbitrary policy decisions being taken by MIB under Irani, including attempts at creating artificial entry-level barriers by insisting on TV channels shift to Indian satellites from foreign ones and hiking administrative processing fees many folds. Industry organisation Indian Broadcasting Foundation recently petitioned the PM’s Office drawing attention to the likely ill-effects on the industry if certain norms regarding uplinking and downlinking, being debated at MIB and regulatory body TRAI, came into force.

    Media reports have also indicated that in the last nine months inaction had come to such a head at MIB that inter-departmental power games had stalled a decision on over 100 applications for new TV channels, apart from other sundry issues. So, media industry stakeholders expect a breath of fresh air to blow in the corridors of New Delhi’s Shastri Bhawan, which houses the MIB along with some other ministries, with Rathore-Khare duo taking charge.

    Earlier this week, Vikram Sahay was appointed as a joint secretary in the MIB.

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  • TRAI extends dates for comments on uplinking/downlinking consultation paper

    TRAI extends dates for comments on uplinking/downlinking consultation paper

    MUMBAI: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has extended the deadline for receiving comments on the consultation paper relating to uplinking and downlinking of TV channels. The new dates for receiving comments and counter-comments are 31 January and 10 February respectively.

    The TRAI had released the paper on 19 December 2017 inviting comments by 18 January 2018 but has pushed the date on the request of stakeholders. It has also warned that no further extension of dates will be entertained.

    The paper seeks to update guidelines and also talk about setting up of teleports. Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) additional secretary Jayashree Mukherjee had sought TRAI’s views on the issues keeping in mind the changes in technology, market scenarios and lessons learnt over six years since the last guidelines were passed.

    The specific question asked to broadcasters was if there was a need to redefine the definition of news and non-news channels.

    The paper also hints at a possible hike in the net worth requirement to obtain uplinking/downlinking licence to ensure only serious players stay in the game.
    On the teleport side, the TRAI is asking the industry how to define the word in the digital era, licencing norms, fee structures and if there is a need to restrict the number and location of teleports in India.

    Also Read:

    Trai paper seeks to streamline uplinking, downlinking norms

    TRAI sees merit in using satcom for broadband delivery

    MSOs move Madras HC seeking relief on inter-connect pacts

  • Trai paper seeks to streamline uplinking, downlinking norms

    Trai paper seeks to streamline uplinking, downlinking norms

    MUMBAI: Following a prod from the ministry of information and broadcasting (MIB) additional secretary Jayashree Mukherjee, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on 19 December issued an industry consultation paper which seeks to update guidelines related to uplinking, downlinking, of TV channels and the setting up of teleports.

    Mukherjee had sought the TRAI’s recommendations on these issues keeping in mind changes in technology, market scenarios and lessons learnt over the past six years since the guidelines were passed.  

    In its paper, Trai has asked stakeholders, such as broadcasters, if there was any need to redefine news and current affairs TV channels and non-news and current affairs TV channels more specifically.

    Pointing at a possible hike in the net-worth requirement of Rs 5 crore for obtaining a licence for uplinking or downlinking of TV channels, and an increase in process fees for applicants, the paper states that non-serious players were able to obtain licenses, which were either traded or leased to a different entity.

    “To  ensure  that  only  serious  players,  who  are  interested  in  the business of satellite TV channels, apply for obtaining license for  uplinking  or downlinking of TV channels, one way could be to increase the entry barriers. The other way could be to eliminate the incentives, which encourage trading and/or sub-leasing of licenses. Further, sub-leasing or trading of channels can also be controlled by putting in place certain checks, which discourage such practices,” the release stated.

    The paper argues that an increase in entry barriers for uplinking of TV channels from India may encourage diversion of such business opportunities to outside India. Moreover, Trai has raised the question of auctioning satellite TV channels as a complete package similar to FM radio channels. Or if industry thinks that it is possible to auction individual legs of satellite TV broadcasting – uplinking space spectrum, transponder capacity?

    And it has opened up an issue which has been a sore point for the industry: if it is advisable to restrict the use of foreign satellites for satellite TV broadcasting or uplinking of satellite TV channels to be downlinked in India from foreign soil? And also whether it is possible to auction channels without restricting the use of foreign satellites and uplinking of signals of TV channels from foreign soils. The paper appeals to stakeholders if there could be a better way to grant a licence for a TV satellite channel then what is presently followed in order to simply the procedure.

    Other issues the TRAI is seeking industry’s input on is whether encryption of all satellite TV signals – whether free to air or pay TV and what timeline should be given to licensed broadcasters to launch their channels from the date of issue of a licence and the penalties that should be levied on them in case they fail to restore their disrupted channels within a specified period. The consultation paper also approaches sensitive issues such as terms of  the tradeability of licences by a licencee.  

    On the teleport side, the TRAI is seeking to get industry’s understanding of what a teleport should be defined as in a new digital era, the licensing norms, fee structures for processing a licence, if there is a need to restrict the number of teleports in India, and their location like say in a park.

    The industry watchdog has requested that industry sends in its inputs by 18 January 2018.

    Also Read: TRAI sees merit in using satcom for broadband delivery

    TRAI’s Consultation Paper on VoIP can affect mobile TV, IPTV

    MSOs move Madras HC seeking relief on inter-connect pacts