Industry welcomes TRAI’s call to revamp cable TV services, says move will attract more investment
Cable TV operations in India are in for a major revamp, with TRAI recommending separate licensing framework for local cable operators and multi-system operators in its draft recommendations on restructuring cable television services. exchange4media speaks with COFI and TRAI officials, TV channels and DTH operators on the implications of these recommendations.
Cable TV operations in India are in for a major revamp, with TRAI recommending separate licensing framework for local cable operators and multi-system operators in its draft recommendations on restructuring cable television services in its paper released on July 16, 2008. exchange4media speaks with COFI and TRAI officials, TV channels and DTH operators on the implications of these recommendations.
Welcoming TRAI’s draft recommendations, the Cable Operators Federation of India (COFI) said that if made into a policy, it would bring growth to the cable industry without increasing charges for viewers. “We are happy with the recommendations made by TRAI, which would help regularise the industry. The introduction of PAN Card and other ID proof to get a license would enable the operators to get loans from financial institutions easily. It would in turn help cable operators offer better technology and quality of service to customers," said COFI President Roop Sharma.
According to the draft proposals, the operators can also provide new services like IPTV by utilising their existing transmission infrastructure, customer resource management (CRM) and invoicing systems. These developments would help local cable TV providers to have options to provide various value added services, Sharma added.
She further said, “The proposed move to impose entry fee would not result in any increase in cable rates as the fee is very reasonable, that is, Rs 10,000 for a five-year license period, which is not much in inflationary times like these, which comes to just Rs 2,000 per year. The tariff for Pay TV should be fixed, otherwise channels could keep increasing it. LCOs should be allowed to run local video channels, where local advertisers could advertise important messages from the police, the municipal department, etc.”
TRAI has recommended an entry fee of Rs 10,000-Rs 100,000 for a five-year license period for cable operators, depending on the service area. Multi-system operators, for whom TRAI has also proposed licenses, said that they had not gone through the fine print of the regulator’s recommendations to comment as the report was bulky.
According to industry estimates, there are 70,000 cable TV operators in the country. The current market size of the TV industry is estimated at around Rs 23,000 crore. TRAI Chairman Nripendra Misra said, “Regulating the MSOs separately would be one of the most significant changes. It will make the sector attractive for investments and growth.”
The regulator believes that MSOs have a distinct functional responsibility, and a separate licensing regime would help them have well-defined technical and commercial arrangements with broadcasters and local cable operators.
Industry experts felt that with proper licensing, the industry would be able to tap finance from institutions and banks, which have been wary about offering loans to unregulated operators. This is important for cable operators that need to switch from the analog to digital format in the face of the growing challenge from direct-to-home and set-top box-based cable TV.
A Mohan, Secretary, MSO Alliance, said, “We welcome this move because it will also lead to faster digitalisation of the cable industry.”
Commenting on the implication made by TRAI, Rahul Sood, Head of Network Distribution & Affiliate Sales, NDTV, said, “It was long overdue and I am glad that TRAI has finally done so. In light of all the changes happening in the TV distribution environment, a shorter time frame (say 2-3 years) should be mandated for digitisation to be completed, as against five years.”
Sood further said, “DTH or cable operators both will co-exist together with newer platforms like IPTV, mobile TV, etc. With cable controlling approximately 90 per cent of the market and digitisation being the mantra for all MSOs / key networks, it will be survival of the fittest to grab and hold on to subscribers.”
Commenting on whether TRAI should fix the charges of the channels in a bouquet, Sood said, “With price guidelines in place, it already is happening to a certain extent. Since we are operating in a free market environment, wherein the subscribers have multiple choices, market dynamics should determine a fair price for channels.”
Barun Das, CEO, Zee News Ltd, said, “The cable TV industry needs to be organised at the earliest. Today, this unorganised sector is one of the biggest impediments for the growth of the Indian television industry. Last mile traceability, which is one of the biggest issues for all paid channels, will get addressed significantly when the broadcasters will get to deal with an organised sector.”
Regarding existence going forward, he said, “Both will co-exist, however, last mile traceability and interactivity / reverse channel will always be an advantage for DTH.”
Also read:
TRAI releases draft Recommendations on restructuring the cable TV sector
Read more news about (internet advertising India, internet advertising, advertising India, digital advertising India, media advertising India)
For more updates, be socially connected with us onInstagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook Youtube & Whatsapp
E4M Our strategy is to target younger audiences through Sports: Rajiv Dubey, Dabur
The Head of Media at Dabur India spoke exclusively to exchange4media on the World Cup, associating with Indian Idol, the company’s digital spending and much more
With quirky campaigns, memes and moment marketing, timed with the ongoing World Cup and particularly the India-Pakistan matches, Dabur India has got considerable consumer attention for its popular brands – Red Paste, Cool King Hair Oil, Chyawanprash, Dabur Vita and the recently launched Bae Fresh Gel toothpaste.
The 140-year-old company is going big on key sporting events, World Television Premiere (WTP) movies and reality shows. It is now gearing up to become the title sponsor of popular talent show ‘Indian Idol’ on Sony TV for the first time, shared Rajiv Dubey, who leads the media strategy at Dabur.
Read more news about (internet advertising India, internet advertising, advertising India, digital advertising India, media advertising India)
For more updates, be socially connected with us onInstagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook Youtube & Whatsapp
Swapan Seth's new book 'COOL' is out
The book is a reflection of the author's 'eclectic taste across categories'
Advertising professional and art collector Swapan Seth has announced the launch of his new book COOL. The book is described as "a ready reckoner to the hip and the happening, of the known and the very unknown."
The book is a reflection of the author's "eclectic taste across categories: from boltholes to exotic hideaways."
COOL has been published by Simon & Schuster India and is available on Amazon.
Seth is an ad veteran with a long and illustrious career in the industry. He became the youngest-ever Creative Director at Clarion at age 24. He was VP at 26 at Trikaya Grey. Two years later, he started his agency Equus.
He writes for publications such as The Economic Times, Hindustan Times and India Today. This is his second book and he has previously published THIS IS ALL I HAVE TO SAY.
Read more news about (internet advertising India, internet advertising, advertising India, digital advertising India, media advertising India)
For more updates, be socially connected with us onInstagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook Youtube & Whatsapp
Disney Star signs 9 sponsors for Asia Cup PAK
Charged by Thums Up, Nerolac Paint+, Amazon Pay, Jindal Panther, My11Circle, MRF, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5, Wild Stone and Thums Up come on board
e4m Staff Disney Star has signed nine broadcast and digital streaming sponsors for the upcoming Asia Cup.
Charged by Thums Up, Nerolac Paint+, Amazon Pay, Jindal Panther, My11Circle, MRF, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5, Wild Stone and Thums Up have come on board for the upcoming tournament.
As reported earlier by exchange4media, Disney Star has sought Rs 26 crore for the co-presenting sponsorship on TV and Rs 30 crore for Disney+ Hotstar.
According to industry sources, the associate sponsorship on Star Sports has been priced at Rs 19.66 crore, whereas for the ‘powered by’ sponsorship on Disney+ Hotstar, the broadcaster is seeking Rs 18 crore.
As per the information available with exchange4media, Disney+ Hotstar has three sponsorship tiers-- co-presenting (Rs 30 crore), powered by (Rs 18 crore) and associate sponsorship (Rs 12 crore). The broadcaster is offering an estimated reach of 120-140 million for co-presenting sponsors, 90-100 million for powered by and 60-70 million for associate sponsorship.
A spot buy for 10 seconds has been priced at Rs 25 lakh for the India vs Pakistan matches, while for the non-India matches, the ad rate for 10 second is Rs 2.3 lakh. The India matches plus the final for ODIs has been priced at Rs 17 lakh per 10 seconds.
Asia Cup is scheduled to be held from 30 August, 2023, to September 17, 2023.
Read more news about (internet advertising India, internet advertising, advertising India, digital advertising India, media advertising India)
For more updates, be socially connected with us onInstagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook Youtube & Whatsapp
Sorted 360 wins creative & social media mandate of Reliance Mall
The agency will manage offline and online campaigns for Reliance Mall
Sorted 360, an integrated creative and social media agency, has won the mandate to providing brand solutions for Reliance Malls across India.
“Sorted 360 is set to enhance Reliance Malls' market presence with their unparalleled creative prowess and strategic thinking,” read a press release.
“Sorted 360's commitment to pushing the boundaries of creative communication aligns perfectly with Reliance Malls' ethos. With a pan-India presence spanning across 19 cities and growing, Reliance Malls has consistently captivated customers by offering an array of Reliance brands and third-party fashion & lifestyle brands. The mall has established an unparalleled connection with its patrons through superior quality, a remarkable value proposition, and an unmatched shopping experience,” it read further.
"We are thrilled to welcome Sorted 360 as our trusted partner in advancing our brand presence across the nation," said the Head of Marketing at Relaice Malls. "Their proven expertise in retail, shopping center management, and innovative creative strategies make them the perfect fit for our vision."
"Partnering with Reliance Malls is a testament to our commitment to shaping extraordinary brand experiences," remarked Prerana Anatharam, Co-founder of Sorted 360. "We are excited to leverage our strategic and creative acumen to further elevate Reliance Malls as the epitome of convenience, choice, and excellence."
Read more news about (internet advertising India, internet advertising, advertising India, digital advertising India, media advertising India)
For more updates, be socially connected with us onInstagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook Youtube & Whatsapp
test
test
test
Read more news about (internet advertising India, internet advertising, advertising India, digital advertising India, media advertising India)
For more updates, be socially connected with us onInstagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook Youtube & Whatsapp
test
test
test
Read more news about (internet advertising India, internet advertising, advertising India, digital advertising India, media advertising India)
For more updates, be socially connected with us onInstagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook Youtube & Whatsapp
KlugKlug onboards Hemang Mehta as Country Manager for Indias
Mehta was most recently Head of Agency Relationships at Network 18 Media & Investments
KlugKlug has appointed Hemang Mehta as its Country Manager for India.
Mehta will play a pivotal role in driving KlugKlug's growth and expansion within the Indian market and be responsible for Sales & GTM Strategy
Prior to that, he has also represented organisations like Exponential (now VDX.tv), India Today Digital and Rediff.com. His expertise spans various domains including digital media sales, mobile marketing, media planning, and buying, social media marketing, and more.
Hemang Mehta expressed his enthusiasm about joining KlugKlug, saying, "I am thrilled to be a part of KlugKlug, a forward-thinking platform that is reshaping the influencer marketing landscape. As much as I look forward to collaborating with the exuberant team at KlugKlug, I am super excited to interact with the brands to deliver powerful data-backed Influencer solutions that will guarantee business outcomes."
Commenting on the appointment, Kalyan Kumar, Co-Founder and CEO of KlugKlug, stated, "We are excited to welcome Hemang Mehta to our team as the Country Manager for India. His extensive experience in digital media sales and marketing will be instrumental in driving our efforts to provide influencer marketing solutions to our clients. We believe Hemang's leadership will be key in scaling our operations and expanding our reach within the Indian market."
Read more news about (internet advertising India, internet advertising, advertising India, digital advertising India, media advertising India)
For more updates, be socially connected with us onInstagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook Youtube & Whatsapp








Share