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Tag: FM radio

  • India cuts FM radio reserve prices to revive stagnant sector

    India cuts FM radio reserve prices to revive stagnant sector

    NEW DELHI: India’s telecom regulator has recommended sharp cuts in reserve prices for FM radio channel auctions, acknowledging the sector’s struggle against streaming services and stagnant revenues that have barely recovered from pre-pandemic levels.

    The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on 23 September  proposed reserve prices 30 per cent below previous valuations for three cities seeking radio licenses. Bilaspur in Chhattisgarh would see its reserve price set at Rs 83 lakh, down from a calculated valuation of Rs 1.18 crore. Rourkela in Odisha faces a reserve floor of Rs 1.20 crore against a Rs 1.71 crore valuation, whilst Rudrapur in Uttarakhand gets a Rs 97 lakh reserve price from a Rs 1.39 crore assessment.

    The cuts reflect harsh realities facing India’s private FM radio industry. Total advertising revenues peaked at Rs 2,382 crore in 2018-19 but crashed to Rs 941 crore during the pandemic’s first year. Recovery has been sluggish, reaching just Rs 1,819 crore in 2024-25—barely matching 2019-20 levels despite more channels operating.

    “The sector is facing increased competition from digital audio platforms,” TRAI noted, warning of “substitutability effects” as younger listeners migrate to on-demand streaming services that offer playlist curation and skip functions unavailable on traditional FM.

    The regulator’s move follows disappointing recent auctions. In July 2025, only 63 of 730 available channels across 234 cities found buyers, highlighting weak industry demand despite government efforts to expand FM coverage.

    TRAI also introduced a new “category E” classification for 18 small cities in hilly regions of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Jammu & Kashmir, setting their reserve prices at just Rs 3.75 lakh each. These locations would operate with lower transmission power than existing categories, reflecting challenging terrain and smaller populations.

    The recommendations include several industry-friendly measures: allowing FM broadcasters to stream content online simultaneously, permitting news and current affairs programming for up to 10 minutes per hour, and offering instalment payment options similar to telecom spectrum auctions.

    Most significantly, TRAI urged the government to delink annual licence fees from non-refundable entry fees for all operators—not just new entrants. Current rules tie existing broadcasters’ annual costs to auction prices set by later bidders, creating unpredictable expense burdens that “impinge on the business model for FM operators.”

    The authority also recommended allowing voluntary infrastructure sharing and reducing mandatory co-location requirements with state broadcaster Prasar Bharati, whose rental charges some operators claim could be recovered through independent infrastructure within 2.5 years.

    India currently operates 388 private FM radio channels across 113 cities. The sector employs thousands and serves as a crucial local information source, particularly during emergencies. However, its financial sustainability increasingly depends on adapting to digital competition whilst maintaining terrestrial broadcasting’s unique community connection advantages.

  • TV Today Network to sell radio operations whilst engaging Creative Channel as sales agent

    TV Today Network to sell radio operations whilst engaging Creative Channel as sales agent

    MUMBAI:  TV Today Network Limited, part of the India Today Group, has entered into a memorandum of understanding with Creative Channel Advertising and Marketing for the proposed sale of its FM radio broadcasting operations whilst simultaneously appointing the firm as its advertising sales agent. TV Today made this declaration through a regulatory filing with the Bombay stock exchange a short while ago. 

    The Rs 20 crore deal involves three FM radio stations broadcasting on the 104.8 frequency in Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata. The transaction structure includes an initial payment of Rs. 10 crore upon MoU execution, with the remaining amount due at closing, subject to regulatory approvals from the ministry of information & broadcasting.

    During the transition period, Creative Channel will serve as TV Today’s advertising sales agent, leveraging its expertise to sell airtime to governmental bodies and corporate clients. The arrangement is intended to bolster advertising revenue for the radio business, which reported losses despite generating Rs 16.18 crore turnover in FY 2023-24 — representing merely 1.7 per cent  of TV Today Network’s total revenue.

    The board of directors had initially resolved on 9 January to shutter the radio division entirely before receiving interest from potential buyers. The subsequent approval for sale came during their 11  February meeting.
    TV Today may execute the transaction either directly or through its wholly owned subsidiary, Vibgyor Broadcasting. The latter approach would constitute a related party transaction, though conducted on an arm’s length basis.

    Creative Channel, established in 1991 with Rs 5.23 crore paid-up capital, specialises in television broadcasting, advertising and programming. The company has no connection to TV Today’s promoter group.

    The transaction is expected to conclude by 31 January 2026, marking TV Today’s strategic exit from the challenging FM radio sector amidst evolving industry dynamics.

  • AROI welcomes TRAI’s broadcasting recommendations under Telecommunications Act

    AROI welcomes TRAI’s broadcasting recommendations under Telecommunications Act

     MUMBAI: This is one industry which is kind of giving the thumbs up to the recently recommended changes to  broadcasting services  by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s (TRAI)  under the Telecommunications Act, 2023. In fact, the radio industry has gone beyond that and has welcome the proposed changes through The Association of Radio Operators for India (AROI).

    The proposals outline significant changes to the regulatory framework, replacing the existing licensing model with a structured authorisation system intended to streamline operations and foster digital transformation.

    The key recommendations include:

    * A voluntary migration path for existing licensees until 2030, becoming mandatory thereafter
    * Technology-neutral approach to facilitate digital broadcasting transition
    * Separation of service authorisation from frequency assignment
    * Permission for private FM stations to broadcast news and current affairs for up to 10 minutes hourly
    * Allowance for terrestrial radio services to stream content online simultaneously
    * Removal of mandatory co-location requirements for FM radio stations
    * Voluntary infrastructure sharing between broadcasting and telecom providers
    * Implementation of a separate programme code and advertisement code for private radio
    * 10-year licence renewal periods with a 4  per cent adjusted gross revenue fee structure
    * Potential shift from city-wise to district-wise allocation of FM frequencies

    The Telecommunications Act, 2023, which repeals the Indian Telegraph Act of 1885, mandates authorisation for entities providing telecommunication services, though implementation dates remain pending.

    An AROI spokesperson acknowledged the recommendations as “a welcome step towards industry growth and regulatory clarity” whilst noting certain aspects may require “further discussion” to fully serve private broadcasters’ interests

  • TV Today Network to turn off its Ishq 104.8 FM radio operations

    TV Today Network to turn off its Ishq 104.8 FM radio operations

    MUMBAI: The TV Today Network has  lost all the love it once had for the  FM radio business under the brand of IshqFM  (romantic love) 104.8  FM. 

    The company, on 9 January 2025, informed the Bombay stock exchange, that its board of has approved the closure of its IshqFM radio broadcasting operation, which includes three stations in Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata. The decision, announced at a board meeting on January 9, is subject to regulatory approvals and compliance requirements, with the shutdown expected to occur within one to six months.

    The FM radio business contributed a turnover of Rs 16.18 crore in FY 2023-24, representing 1.7 per cent of the company’s total turnover for the year. However, it reported a net loss of Rs 19.53 crore during the same period.

    In a statement, the board cited the challenging state of the FM radio industry and its evolving dynamics as key reasons behind the decision. “The board of directors considered it in the better interest of the company to close this business rather than continue operations,” the statement said.

    The move aligns with TV Today Network’s strategic focus on its core media and broadcasting ventures, as the FM radio segment has struggled to remain profitable in a competitive and shifting landscape.

  • MIB invites agencies to FM Radio Phase-III e-auction proposals

    MIB invites agencies to FM Radio Phase-III e-auction proposals

    Mumbai:  On behalf of the President of India, the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) has announced an invitation for proposals to select an agency for conducting the e-auction of private FM channels as part of FM Radio Phase-III.

    The core of this initiative is the selection of a competent agency to manage the e-auction process. As outlined in the Request for Proposal (RFP), the MIB seeks an agency capable of handling this complex auction with transparency and efficiency. Eligible entities include companies registered under the Companies Act of 1956/2013, foreign companies with a registered office in India, or consortia of such companies. The selected agency will oversee the allocation of FM radio frequencies according to the MIB’s guidelines.

    Detailed information on the application procedures is available on the official MIB website and the Government’s e-procurement portal. The RFP, including the scope of work and eligibility criteria, can be accessed at [MIB’s website](http://www.mib.gov.in ) and [CPPP Portal](https://eprocure.gov.in/eprocure/app ). Interested bidders should regularly visit these sites for updates and clarifications.

    The deadline for bid submissions is 17 September 2024. Bidders must register on the e-tender portal and submit their proposals online, accompanied by a non-refundable application fee of Rs 50,000 through the Bharatkosh Portal. Additionally, a Bank Guarantee for Earnest Money Deposit must be physically submitted to the MIB’s FM Cell.

    Phase III of this expansion aims to rejuvenate the FM radio sector by introducing more private players, enhancing regional representation, and broadening content offerings, from local news and cultural programming to diverse music genres. The auction process is vital for achieving these goals and ensuring that new FM channels enrich the media landscape.

    Eligibility criteria for agencies include a minimum paid-up capital of Rs 2.5 Crore and a combined net worth of at least Rs 10 Crores. The RFP also requires CMMi level 3 (or above) certification and disclosure of any potential conflicts of interest with existing FM broadcasting companies.

    As India advances with this FM radio expansion, the role of the selected agency will be crucial in managing the auction process and ensuring fair access for all participants. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to a more inclusive and diverse media environment.

     

  • Why NetxGenTV is not the panacea for Indian TV broadcasting

    Why NetxGenTV is not the panacea for Indian TV broadcasting

    Mumbai: A new transmission technology, direct-to-mobile (D2M) broadcasting or NextGenTV, despite enjoying coverage in media platforms such as this one, is struggling to gain TV industry traction. D2M transmits audio-visual content on a terrestrial (earth-based) spectrum and any device with a receiver can access it, just like FM radio transmits audio content. Prasar Bharati and IIT-Kharagpur conducted limited trials of the technology last year, and reports suggest that the Telecommunications Engineering Centre may issue a technical report. It is worth exploring why D2M has almost no takers.

    The first time Indians saw audio-visual content on TV, it was a science experiment to test the capabilities of satellite-based communications. The Satellite Instructional Television Experiment (Site), jointly designed by the National Aeronautics & Space Administration (Nasa) and India’s Department of Atomic Energy demonstrated the potential to disseminate audio-visual content via satellites in 1975. 2,400 villages spread across 20 districts received educational and instructional content that the All India Radio (AIR) had prepared.

    Later in 1991, strong demand for coverage of the Gulf War pushed satellite and TV dish manufacturers and cable operators to work overtime to create infrastructure for TV distribution. Market-led shifts from analog to digital transmission and the evolution of newer transmission technologies like direct-to-home (DTH) and Headend in the Sky (Hits), led the way and created new value and supply chains. In the case of D2M, no supply chain participant – content services, device makers and infrastructure providers – wants a hard mandate for adoption. At least at the time of writing.

    Content Services

    First, it is unclear if D2M can offer better content to consumers. The shift to digital broadcasting enabled more content to flow through the same frequency channels and made more content available. D2M offers no such efficiency. Prasar Bharati, India’s public broadcaster transmits a few Doordarshan channels in 16 cities in India through digital terrestrial transmission technology. Presumably, content made available on D2M would be the public broadcaster’s content.

    D2M is not lucrative for private broadcasters because they are likely to face monetisation challenges. For instance, D2M fragments the existing ad market for free-to-air TV channels, diminishing the value of TV advertising real estate. A TV channel would need to invest in packaging content for D2M distribution without any assurance of new eyeballs. PayTV providers are apprehensive of content protection standards as they may lose out on subscription revenues because of last-mile signal piracy. Anyone with a D2M receiver can view pay TV content and the transmission technology does not account for strong access controls.

    There is also an apprehension that the ministry of information &  broadcasting (MIB) may use anti-siphoning frameworks to source content for D2M. Prasar Bharati receives the live feed of expensive IP rights acquisitions like the Cricket World Cup for free as a result of the Sports Broadcasting Signals (Mandatory Sharing with Prasar Bharati) Act, 2007. If the public broadcaster makes this content available for free on D2M, rights holders cannot monetise their IP and recoup their investment. Consequently, the value proposition of investment in sports broadcasting diminishes and it will have an adverse impact on the sports ecosystem.

    Device Makers

    Second, the device ecosystem is neither prepared nor incentivised for D2M adoption. Like the shift to digital-required set-top-boxes (STBs) and DTH-required satellite dishes, D2M adoption requires transmission and receiver equipment. Saankhya Labs, the government’s partner in D2M trials, produces transmitters but India does not indigenously produce receiver equipment.

    If the government mandates original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to install D2M receiver equipment they will resist on account of cost concerns. OEMs highlighted a similar challenge when the ministry of electronics & information technology (MeitY) issued an advisory and asked mobile phone manufacturers to include FM radio receiver functions in April 2023.

    Conversely, if consumers buy receiver equipment at their own cost, it is likely that cheaper products from jurisdictions like China will flood the market. This leads to privacy and security concerns and exacerbates underreporting and signal piracy. A D2M receiver in border areas can receive content and possibly communicate data on the mobile handset across the border.

    Distribution

    The Prasar Bharati-led trials proved the technology can work, but it does not speak to its feasibility and impact on the distribution ecosystem. D2M receivers received transmissions in a controlled environment in metro cities Delhi and Bengaluru. But, does that prove that it can work anywhere in the country? And can it coexist with other use cases?

    Spectrum is a scarce resource and many communication technologies need the resource to operate. Allocation of a spectrum for new technology requires a comparison of deploying D2M in this frequency range with competing use cases or assessed potential interference with existing services. D2M broadcasting uses spectrum in UHF frequency bands 526 – 582 MHz. Eventually, the 470 – 698 MHz would be key for D2M adoption. Telecom operators require the same band for 5G deployment, and accommodating D2M will reduce bandwidth. Further, radio microphones, in-ear monitors, wireless cameras, talkback systems used during live events, content production, political rallies, news broadcasts, and press conferences also use the 526 – 582 MHz frequency range.

    D2M will compete with audio-visual transmitted via data services of telecom and internet service providers. Airtel reported a 27 per cent increase in its revenue from mobile services in the first quarter of FY23, attributing it to growing consumption of mobile data.  Reliance Jio also reported similar growth in June 2022, with total data traffic in the quarter growing by 27.2 per cent. D2M does not offer a value proposition for telcos to diversify their offerings and build infrastructure for D2M broadcasting.  

    Where and when to use D2M

    D2M will not herald a new era of content dissemination or transform broadcast distribution as many claim it will for the reasons stated above. However, it can serve a public interest objective like the Site experiment did in 1975, that is, to disseminate educational and informative content. D2M also has the unique ability to disseminate locally which can be utilised for localised content dissemination, like community radio stations that broadcast audio content within a local range. In terms of content, D2M can provide an additional avenue to disseminate public interest content and spread awareness through localised transmissions in disaster situations. The government would still need to address device ecosystem and spectrum concerns before it can rollout and scale the technology.

    D2M holds potential for a revamp of public broadcasting in India, but it is unlikely to find any takers in the private sector. D2M’s unique proposition is its ability to localise transmission which Prasar Bharati can utilise for dissemination of content on themes of national importance and emergency transmissions during disaster events.

    Varun Ramdas is manager Koan Advisory Group. The views expressed in this article are entirely his own and Indiantelevision.com neither endorses nor supports them in any way.

  • Radio City Q3 results: 13 per cent revenue growth and 25 per cent growth in EBITDA

    Radio City Q3 results: 13 per cent revenue growth and 25 per cent growth in EBITDA

    Mumbai: Music Broadcast Limited (MBL), India’s private FM radio broadcaster has reported its un-audited financial results for the quarter ended 31 December 2023.

    Key highlights – Q3FY24:

    ·  Q3FY24 top line of Rs 60.4 Crores; 11 per cent growth YoY
    ·  EBITDA at Rs 15.3 Crores; 5 per cent Growth YoY
    ·  EBITDA margin at 25.3 per cent

    Key Highlights – 9MFY24:

    ·  9MFY24 Top line of Rs 165.9 Crores; 13 per cent growth YoY
    ·  EBITDA at Rs 40.1 Crores; 25 per cent growth YoY
    ·  EBITDA margin at 24.2 per cent
    ·  Maintained a strong Position with 19 per cent volume market share

    Includes other income

    Commenting on the results, Radio City director, Shailesh Gupta said, “I am pleased to share that our revenues experienced an 11 per cent growth in the Q3FY24 with EBITDA margins at 25.3 per cent. Our focus continues towards the digital business which has a significant growth moving forward.

    At Radio City, we’ve executed a range of strategies to expand our positioning in the radio industry. According to Aircheck 15 Markets, in the third quarter, we successfully retained our market share at 19 per cent. Additionally, our comprehensive Omni-channel framework allows us to maximize the extensive reach of our networks, ensuring the delivery of optimal value to our clients.

    About the growth in the advertising sector, the real estate industry experienced a notable 17 per cent year-on-year increase in spending. The pharmaceutical industry expanded by 15 per cent, while the auto industry demonstrated an impressive growth of 26 per cent compared to the previous year. On the finance side, the industry experienced a 9 per cent growth. Meanwhile, on the Jewellery front we witnessed a massive growth of 44 per cent and government advertising also saw a good growth of 22 per cent YoY.

    In Q3FY24, our digital business witnessed a growth of 27 per cent Y-o-Y. We are aligning ourselves with the ever-changing media landscape, one that is indifferent to specific platforms, with a central focus on digital for content creation, distribution, consumption, and engagement. To ensure a smooth experience across diverse platforms, we are strengthening our capabilities to stand at the forefront of the digital technology revolution. This involves delivering top-tier entertainment that resonates with the evolving preferences and needs of our audience.

    Radio City remains a preferred choice for both longstanding and recently acquired clients in the field of radio advertising. For Q3FY24, out of the overall client base utilizing the radio platform, 39 per cent have selected Radio City for their advertising campaigns. Additionally, among the newly acquired clients in the radio domain, 31 per cent have specifically chosen to feature their advertisements on Radio City.

    We take pride in deriving 31 per cent of our income from a variety of offerings that includes, proactive proposals, digital initiatives, sponsorships, and special events.  

  • Centre approves amendments in FM Radio Phase-III Policy guidelines

    Centre approves amendments in FM Radio Phase-III Policy guidelines

    Mumbai: The central government has approved the amendments to certain provisions contained in the policy guidelines on the expansion of FM radio broadcasting services through private agencies (phase-III), referred to as the private FM phase-III policy guidelines.

    The decision was taken in a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

    The three-year window for restructuring FM radio permissions within the same management group throughout the licensing duration of 15 years has been eliminated by the government in order to move in this direction.

    The government has also agreed to remove the 15 per cent national cap on channel holdings, which has been a long-standing demand of the radio industry.

    Furthermore, as part of the FM radio policy’s simplification of financial eligibility norms, an applicant company can now participate in bidding for ‘C’ and ‘D’ category cities with a net worth of just Rs 1 crore, as opposed to Rs 1.5 crore previously.

    These three amendments will help the private FM radio industry fully leverage economies of scale and pave the way for further FM radio and entertainment expansion in tier-III cities across the country.

    This will not only create new job opportunities but will also ensure that music and entertainment are accessible to the general public in even the most remote parts of the country through FTA (free-to-air) radio media.

    To improve the ease of doing business in the country, the government has focused on simplifying and rationalising existing rules in order to make governance more efficient and effective, so that the benefits reach the common man.

  • Digital radio technology can double broadcast sector’s revenue in five years: ICEA-EY report

    Digital radio technology can double broadcast sector’s revenue in five years: ICEA-EY report

    Mumbai: The adoption of digital radio technology will help the broadcast sector double its revenues within five years to Rs. 12,300 crore, according to a report prepared by the India Cellular and Electronics Association (ICEA) and EY.

    The report shows that digital radio broadcasting can be extremely beneficial for all the stakeholders in the sector—broadcasters, listeners, advertisers, and regulators—and can help the FM radio segment boost revenues. This comes at a time when the FM radio segment has been struggling to generate robust revenues over the past few years.

    It would lead to more advertising inventory to sell with the ability to charge higher rates based on segmented audiences. Given that the digital radio system can provide listenership data, broadcasters can build trust and eventually grow revenues.

    Another significant benefit of these technologies for broadcasters is that their transmitters use significantly less power than analogue radio transmitters.

    India has also tested two technologies – HD radio and digital radio mondiale (DRM), for digital broadcasting in the FM band.

    ICEA chairman Pankaj Mohindroo stated, “India is a heterogeneous market and provides audience segments with differing tastes as well as payment capabilities. Digital broadcast radio has the ability to cater to segments of entry-level smartphones and several hundred million feature phone users to receive enhanced services in the areas of health, education, emergency, and weather, which by complementing data networks, decongests them. Communication usage with IOT devices is next envisaged in the pipeline too.”

    Citing the report, Mohindroo said, “Digital technologies would go a long way in widening the network of broadcast infrastructure in the country and the number of radio stations would grow multifold from the current numbers of less than 300 to over 1,100 without any additional spectrum.”

    EY India partner Ashish Pherwani said, “Digital radio can provide a much-needed boost to the Indian radio segment. As a free-to-air medium, radio plays a very vital role in India’s informing and educating its people. Systemic issues around measurement, reach, operating models, competing products, and COVID-19 impacted the segment with failing revenues and shrinking opportunities. Digital radio can help grow the radio segment in India by 3x over 5 years, if implemented keeping in mind the requirements of various stakeholders and with the correct policy support.”

    According to the report, the number of channels will increase significantly from the perspective of listeners. Around 4x more channels are possible within the same frequency, which can provide more options to listeners. Furthermore, the technology is broadcast-centric, and consumers would not have to pay any data charges. Analogue transmission would also be enhanced as it provides a better listening experience than digital transmission across both audio quality and user interface.

    Digital technologies would also bring about major reforms for the regulators as it would result in optimum use of scarce spectrum in the middle and long term and lead to increased taxes from increased revenues. It would also allow the authorities to use digital radio infrastructure for emergency warnings and traffic information.

    The report prepared by ICEA and EY noted that a complete transition from analogue to digital radio infrastructure would take three to five years. Radio broadcasters cannot enable a switch-on-switch-off transition to digital radio as they are dependent on linear FM reach for their revenues. This would mean that analogue and digital broadcasting will need to exist in parallel till adequate reach is achieved.

    Consequently, for some years, there would be no spectrum saving, said the report. The report has recommended innovation around cost-effective chipsets, antennas, and software to drive quicker adoption of digital radio. It has also been said that competing products using low bandwidth data and consensus on music royalties are issues that need to be addressed.

  • Trai institutes mechanism for speedy implementation of its recommendations by DoT, MIB

    Trai institutes mechanism for speedy implementation of its recommendations by DoT, MIB

    Mumbai: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has released its annual report for the year 2020-21. The report contains an overview of the broadcasting sector and a summary of the key initiatives of Trai on regulatory matters with specific reference to the functions mandated to it under the Act.

    Over the last few years, Trai has sent a number of recommendations to the department of telecommunications (DoT) and the ministry of information and broadcasting (MIB) on important issues concerning the growth of broadcasting and cable services in the country. A number of these recommendations have been accepted during the period. “However, many of the important recommendations are still pending for decision/implementation by DoT and MIB which if implemented would have a significant positive impact on the sector,” the telecom regulator said.

    Important recommendations that have been accepted by MIB during the year 2020-21 and their likely impact on the sector are detailed below:

    (i) Recommendations on “Issues related to New DTH Licenses” were forwarded to the government on 23 July 2014. The implementation of these recommendations will ensure certainty and continuity of business and orderly growth of the DTH sector and will promote a level playing field. After acceptance of these recommendations by MIB, the amendments to DTH License guidelines were issued on 30 December 2020.

    (ii) Recommendations on “KYC of DTH Set Top Boxes” forwarded to the government on 24 October 2019 addressed the security concerns for use of DTH boxes outside the country as satellites have footprints beyond geographical boundaries. The acceptance and implementation of these Recommendations will result in standardisation of the verification process and will ensure installation of DTH connection at the address mentioned in CAF and will not load the industry/customer with unnecessary additional requirements and costs.

    (iii) Recommendations on “Platform Services offered by DTH Operators” forwarded to the government on 13 November 2019 addressed the issues of bringing platform services under a regulatory framework and providing transparent information to consumers about platform services. Amendments to DTH License guidelines have been issued by MIB on 30 December 2020 whereby DTH operators are permitted to operate platform services channels to a maximum of five per cent of their total channel carrying capacity.

    Recommendations forwarded to MIB that are still pending with the government as of 31 March 2021 are as follows:

    1.      Recommendations on restrictions on certain entities from entering the business of broadcasting and distribution of TV channels.

    2.      Recommendations on Issues related to radio audience measurement and ratings in India.

    3.      Recommendations on issues related to digital terrestrial broadcasting (DTT) in India.

    4.      Recommendations on sharing infrastructure in the TV broadcasting distribution sector.

    5.      Recommendations on issues related to digital radio broadcasting in India.

    6.      Recommendations on issues relating to uplinking and downlinking of television channels in India.

    7.      Recommendations on reserve price for auction of FM radio channels in new cities.

    8.      Recommendations on interoperability of set-top box.

    9.      Recommendations on review of television audience measurement and rating system in India.

    10.    Recommendations on a regulatory framework for platform services (PS) for MSO.

    The Trai felt that a periodic review of the implementation status of all recommendations of the authority should be done at the highest level. With an objective to put in place a mechanism whereby there is a periodic review of the implementation of pending recommendations of Trai in DoT/MIB and to create a central repository for real-time tracking of the status of all recommendations, the regulator has developed a recommendation status portal which can be accessed jointly by Trai, DoT, and MIB.