No Blackout of TV Channels on 29 December, Clarifies TRAI

TRAI Chairman RS Sharma.

(Photo courtesy: IANS)

In the backdrop of speculations that TV channels might face a blackout on 29 December after a new tariff order and regulatory framework kicks in, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has dismissed any such possibility.

“The Authority has noticed messages circulating in media that there may be a black-out of existing subscribed channels on TV screens after 29 December. We would like to clarify there will be no disruption of TV Services due to implementation of the new regulatory framework,” ANI quoted TRAI, as saying.

The new regulation of TRAI empowers consumers with the right to choose the channels as they wish, on an a la carte basis as well as in a bouquet system. The regulation promises transparency in the broadcasting sector to protect consumer interests.

Though the regulation came in March 2017, the implementation was postponed due to litigation by broadcasters. The Supreme Court dismissed the broadcasters’ petitions and upheld the spirit of the regulation.

In a statement, TRAI said that as per Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) estimates, more than 90 percent of TV homes view or flip 50 or fewer number of channels. “Therefore, any analysis that keeps 250 or more channels for pricing of monthly tariff creates a false impression. If consumer chooses the channel which she/he really watches, then she/he will be paying a lesser amount compared to what he/she is paying as of now,” TRAI added.