New Delhi: Keeping in view the tremendous growth posted by the broadcasting sector in India, a parliamentary panel had asked the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to evaluate the need to form a separate regulator for broadcasting sector instead of clubbing it under the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India.
In its report tabled in the parliament, the Standing Committee on Information and Technology hassaid that the broadcasting sector has seen enormous growth in the number of satellite TV channels with introduction of DTH services, digitisation of cable TV networks, setting up of independent TV rating agency and introduction of FM radio services across the country.
In view of the tremendous growth in the broadcasting sector and ever-increasing number of satellite TV channels, the panel said, “the government may undertake evaluation of the need to have a separate regulator for the broadcasting sector”.
“Till the time the government decides to have a separate regulator for broadcasting sector, steps may be taken to empower TRAI through modifications in the TRAI Act, 1997 for effective enforcement of its regulations,” it said.
The panel also asked the information and broadcasting ministry to put in place a monitoring mechanism with an aim to ensure digitisation of cable television in the country.
It also recommended the ministry to carry out an Impact Assessment study of cable TV digitisation so that a clear picture emerges as to how far digitisation has actually been able to achieve its objectives.
