Nripendra Misra joins PMO Appointed Modi's Principal Secretary, but not without a controversy

Former Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) Chairman Nripendra Misra on 28th May has been appointed principal secretary to the prime minister, but only after the President of India signed an ordinance changing the appointment rulebook. The move came as a shock to the bureaucracy, which was united in the view that it would be a big blow to the autonomy of regulators, not only at the Centre but also in states. Misra is known to have low tolerance for ignorance among the people around him. Journalists interviewing him have also faced his cutting remarks, when he found them without the requisite homework. His new boss, Narendra Modi, is believed to have a similar no-nonsense approach to work. 

Broadcasters cannot dictate Minimum Subscription period

The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) on 25th April has directed the broadcasters not to ask a direct-to-home (DTH) service provider for a minimum subscription period of three months, the tribunal has also requested the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to relook at such Reference Interconnect Offers (RIOs). 

A new Perspective to Digitisation

With the  new government in place we should expect drastic changes in the way I&B Ministry is functioning, including its fast forward drive to digitalise cable TV Networks. Indications are that the present Government has a different approach to many issue in the media. Its overall approach is consistent with BJP manifesto before the elections where more emphasis was given to the welfare of the masses rather than please the corporate.

‘Acche Din Aane Wale Hain’ (Good Times are here to Come)

With the land slide victory of BJO lead by Narendra Modi, country awaits a coalition free strong and stable government. Broadcast Industry too expects to see some path-breaking decisions for the benefit of the nation rather than Ministry following an adhoc approach to benefit a few.

Blatant Violations of Content Codes

Seven legs of the election process are already over and in another twenty days we will see the party that will make the next government.

The Great Indian Digital Migration A Good idea Implemented badly

Policy of Digitisation is good on the whole. It was essential to go digital to keep up with the times for better quality, more choice, transparency, more Tax revenue, credibility in subscriber numbers and most important, to implement broadband on cable to enhance national economy. However, flaws in the Policies and misplaced priorities let it down.

Will Cloud replace Cable TV

There is a fierce legal battle going on in the US over broadcast of on Air TV content by a startup company Aereo which uses cloud technology to provide live or recorded television content to consumers at a fraction of the cost of Cable TV service. Aereo’s technology is particularly compelling when it enables members of the public to use broadband Internet access to join the lawful audience of free, over-the-air broadcasts using the public’s airwaves.