150 more TV channels entering India – I&B Ministry wants to cap numbers
By Manoj Govindassamy on 11 October, 2009, 3:29 am
Do you know how many TV channels we have in India ? In fact, its more than the channel limit of most of our TV sets. There are more than 400 private satellite TV channels that are permitted to uplink from India and more than 70 foreign satellite TV channels that are permitted to uplink from abroad and downlink in India. Adding up the DD channels, India has more than 500 satellite TV channels already.
And, not less than 140 new TV channels have already sought permission from Information and Broadcasting Ministry to uplink from India. Adding to this pending list is 20 more foreign TV channels. Some of the well known foreign channels pending approval are Fox media, ESPN News and Al Jazeera International.
In a country where 3G spectrum is not yet available for public use, how can we accommodate the growing number of TV channels ? Added to this spectrum crunch, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) had asked the information and broadcasting (I&B) ministry to vacate some of the lower C band spectrum which can be used by telecom companies. So, the government has asked the regulator TRAI whether there’s a need to cap the number of TV channels.
I think, the rules for approving new TV channels are not stringent enough in India. If not, how could persons/compnaies with no media exposures but with money (of course, black) just wanting to drive on the media wagon could get easy new TV channel approvals ? The result is, there are so many mediocre TV channels today that even their owners don’t see them (we have channels for all major Political Parties, political leaders, religions etc.,).
I&B ministry has put forth many questions to TRAI regarding regulation of TV channels. They are:
- Should there be a five-year commitment from broadcasters for running channels to assess the seriousness of the players;
- Should financial viability of the broadcaster be made more rigid so that entry becomes that much tougher;
- Should experience of the applicant in the media business be made mandatory for opening channels;
- What should be the maximum number of satellite channels that can be permitted;
- Should there be an amendment in the uplinking/downlinking clause?
So, the final answer on limiting the number of TV channels lies in the hands of TRAI. Lets Hope, TRAI takes some good decisions on limiting these satellite TV channels and save us all from mostly crappy new channel additions to our TV menus. What do you say ?
[...] facts on TV Channels and their approval statistics. Recently Ambikani Soni, Minister of I&B, wanted to cap the numbers of TV channels in the country citing spectrum space crunch reason but it was not well received in the [...]
[...] land of diversity has more than 20 major languages. To cater to the diverse crowd we have more than 500 Satellite Channels in India and few more waiting for approvals. It is known that almost 50% Indian households own a television set which is astonishing given that [...]
We live in the largest democracy of the world and a free media is one of the strongest pillars of it. Let the public decide what they want to watch and adopt the good. How long will the bad survive with no viewership – it will bleed the owner white. Why should there be a cap or stringent laws – are there any for print (newspapers and magazines)? Then why TV? In fact, the TV industry is already heavily regulated. Getting a TV permission takes 6 months at least and requires scores of permissions. Allowing governments to control media is a hazardous path. If India is to become the knowledge leader of the century we must give freedom and not insult the intelligence of the viewers. Only then will media continue to serve Indian democracy and come of age as a knowledge multiplier.
@victor,
yeah, free media is the essence of democracy, But, the problem India has is the spectrum crunch. Unlike print media we can’t have indefinite TV channels. The Communication infrastructure we have limits the TV channel numbers. Most of India TV channels use MPEG 2 compressing scheme which makes the max allowable number of TV channels to around 600 (need to confirm). If most of them move to the latest MPEG4 compression mode then we may support more TV channels.
So, its more about spectrum crunch which is forcing TRAI to put forth more strict laws on approving new TV channels. I feel its nothing to curb democracy.
And, India Government has so far treated Media as one of the critical sector. Especially News Media. FDI allowed in News Media is only 26% and there is lot of debate on increasing the limit on this. I think, Country Security at the cost of Democracy is OK.
No ?? what is your opinion ?
There are many satellites that have a footprint over India, not just INSAT, eg. Thaicom also beams channels to India. To know who uses which please visit http://www.lyngsat.com. The signal can go via leased line to Singapore for beaming via a transponder on any satellite. Downlink is via cable or DTH platforms. The choice is for the various operators to select their bouquet. Even today, Satellite TV permission is only given once you have confirmed transponder booking. No, bandwidth is really not the issue.
As regards security at the cost of democracy….well! I hope we NEVER have to give up democracy for security. In fact, we will only remain secure and happy as a democracy. The oldest excuse to curb media and human rights is national security. Just look at some other countries around and count your blessings
Well said Victor, but do not worry much.
Even if TRAI follows IB’s recommendations and implement a stronger rules, who cares?
The gates are always wide open for the powerful and influential gov/business men.
ex: The DMK party in TN started Kalaignar TV in less than a month whereas a normal period it would take will be around six months as you have said earlier
How this could happen? This is INDIA, never fear for tighter rules, fear for senseless politicians and greedy business minds
@victor,
OK.
I am not sure, why Ambika Soni is stressing on spectrum crunch reason for limiting TV channels. I have seen multiple interviews in which she is stating the same reason. What would be government’s benefit by limiting TV channels, after all ?
And, you like 100% FDI in News Media ?