FICCI FRAMES 2025, 04: Call for Balanced Regulation, Innovation and Digital Expansion, in Broadcasting Sector

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) Chairman, Anil Kumar Lahoti, has emphasised the need for balanced regulation and innovation to drive the next phase of growth in India’s broadcasting and media industry.

He was speaking at the 25th edition of FICCI FRAMES in Mumbai. Lahoti noted that India’s Media & Entertainment (M&E) sector contributed ₹2.5 trillion to the economy in 2024 and is projected to cross ₹3 trillion by 2027. The television and broadcasting segment alone generated nearly ₹680 billion, last year.

He also highlighted the sector’s transformation from analog to digital and now to 4K broadcasting, complemented by the growth of Smart TVs, 5G, and OTT platforms, serving over 600 million users. Despite this surge, linear television remains the primary medium across 190 million TV households.

“TRAI’s approach is to enable orderly growth through innovation and fair competition, while ensuring transparency for consumers and protection for smaller players,” said Mr. Lahoti.

Citing recent regulatory reforms, he referred to TRAI’s amendments to the Cable and TV Broadcasting Framework, and the proposed authorisation-based regime under the Telecommunication Act, 2023, aimed at improving ease of doing business and simplifying compliance.

Lahoti also highlighted TRAI’s recommendations for the launch of digital radio broadcasting in major Indian cities, to strengthen the FM ecosystem and modernise India’s audio landscape.

He concluded by reaffirming TRAI’s commitment to working with industry stakeholders, to realise the vision of an economy powered by content, creativity, and culture.