TRAI New Guidelines On National Broadcasting Policy, 2025

Declaring a major relief for Over-The-Top Platforms (OTTs), the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India broadcasting guidelines on June 20, 2024, clarified that no separate regulatory mechanism is required to govern OTT platforms such as Disney+ Hotstar, Amazon Prime, and Netflix. The regulator, while emphasising the potential of the OTT sector in boosting the economy, called it the ‘sunrise sector’. Stakeholders had opposed additional regulation, citing it as a hurdle to ease of doing business.

TRAI further stated, “There is no requirement for establishing a converged legal, administrative, regulatory, and licensing framework. Rather, the focus should be on promoting ease of doing business in the sector by streamlining permissions.” This aligns with the media and entertainment policy in India, which stresses growth, investment, and innovation. One of the proposed measures is granting infrastructure status to the broadcasting sector.

What Is TRAI’s Role In The National Broadcasting Policy 2025?

The recommendations issued by TRAI support the mission of making India a global broadcasting hub. The TRAI consultation paper on broadcasting and subsequent stakeholder discussions have helped design a national digital broadcasting framework with a 10-year roadmap, focusing especially on the next 5 years.

Key recommendations of TRAI on Indian broadcasting reforms include:

Propelling Growth

• Establishment of a robust broadcasting ecosystem by implementing regulations through data-driven governance and growth-oriented policies.

• Promotion of indigenous manufacturing, research and development, tech-oriented infrastructure and innovation.

• Promotion of Ease of Doing Business, health competition and generation of employment opportunities and skill development.

Promotion of Content

• Making India a global ‘content hub’, supporting the generation of quality content and distribution services under the TRAI guidelines for broadcasters and distribution platforms in India.

• To promote India as a content creation destination.

• Creation of content for public education, awareness and entertainment.

• Promotion of Indian content through different visual forms.

Protection of Interests

• Protecting the rights of content creators and right holders through copyright management.

• Green broadcasting and disaster preparation are environmental responsibilities and fulfilment of social responsibility by the dissemination of information across all strata of society and the country.

These suggestions highlight TRAI’s role in the National Broadcasting Policy 2025 and aim to make India a leader in content creation and distribution.

Conclusion

India’s soft power is being strengthened through reforms in the broadcasting sector. The TRAI guidelines for broadcasters and distribution platforms in India are designed to create a competitive and affordable system while boosting employment, investments, and innovation. Learn more about TRAI’s role in the telecom sector by reading about TRAI’s New Rules for SIM Card Users. By focusing on ease of doing business and the National Broadcasting Policy's impact on digital TV and OTT platforms, TRAI is laying the foundation for the future of the Indian broadcasting industry under the TRAI policy.

Get the latest updates on government schemes and policies with Jaagruk Bharat. Join India's biggest Jaagruk Bharat community. Share your thoughts, questions, and favourite topics with us.