There is a huge response from the Cable TV fraternity on the proposed regulation of local channels carried by MSOs and LCos. Apart from Independent Digital MSOs and Corporate MSOs like Reliance Jio, Hathway, DEN, Siti Networks and broadcasters like Sony, Times Now and TV5, the lone HITS operator NXT Digital also responded to TRAI’s Consultation Paper dated 7th Dec. Interestingly, the response from cable operators, who will be the worst affected once this regulation comes into force, have responded aptly.
Mr. M. Subhash Reddy, Managing Director, Brightway communications led this fight against TRAI’s proposed regulation and analyzed the possible threat to the cable industry in his comments sent to TRAI. Seemandhra Cable Operators’ Welfare Association has also dealt with all the issues in its letter to TRAI. From the broadcaster’s side, it is Shreya Broadcasting Private Limited (owner of TV5) that raised its voice. Among the LCOs, Citi cable Network (Luxettipet), Palkollu Cable Network (Palakollu), Sri kanya Cable Network (Narsipatnam), TCC Cable communication ( Tadepalligudem), Palamoor Digital Media ( Musapet-Mahabubnagar dist) has sent their opinions to TRAI.
On the whole there were 30 reactions from broadcasters, MSOs, DTH Operators, HITS Operator, LCOs and individuals whereas the responses from two Telugu states alone were 9. Three TV industry observers, who have no direct ort indirect links with the cable industry, have sent their observations including Thota Bhavanarayana from Hyderabad.
It may be recollected here that the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has sent its recommendations on Cable channels to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting during 2014. Later, in 2019 the Authority has sent its recommendations on the platform channels of DTH operators. MIB now asked TRAI to give common guidelines for all the DPOs- DTH, HITS, MSOs and LCOs. Accordingly, TRAI has issued a consultation paper on 7th December asking the stakeholders to respond. Mr. Subhash Reddy, managing Director, Brightway communications has given a clarion call to the MSOs and LCOs to use this opportunity to save the cable channels. He has even circulated a draft and many LCOs followed the suit.
Click this link to see the responses to TRAI;s consultation paper: https://trai.gov.in/consultation-paper-mib-back-reference-trais-recommendations-dated-19112014-regulatory-framework
