On 7th May, in a momentous decision, Cabinet passed a bill seeking to amend Cable Television Networks (regulation) Act 1995 making it 'obligatory for every cable TV operator to transmit or retransmit programme of any pay channel through an addressable system.' This bill also covers free-to-air channels. This 'addressable system,' will bring about transparency in cable distribution landscape by potentially regularizing all cable homes, and allowing consumers to directly exercise choice.
Media watchers opine that addressability of cable homes is essential. But, the implementation of CAS is fraught with issues that industry must recognize and address. Full Report
CAS: Way out of Cable Conundrum? Part II (16/05)
Having looked at the key provisions of the CAS bill in our lead story yesterday, we look at the implications. What, and by when, will be the coverage of CAS? Will pay channels need to rework their strategies? How will satellite viewership pattern change? Full Report
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| Broadcasters | |
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End of Bouquetization |
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Initial fall in Viewership expected |
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Long term gains from higher subscription revenue |
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New Niche channels more attractive |
| Advertisers | |
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Short term under delivery of Media Objectives |
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Sharper targeting based on transparent records |
| Cable Operators | |
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Large Operators set to gain by driving further consolidation. |
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Investment in technology (subscriber management system) will open new revenue streams |
| Others | |
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Government is the biggest gainer. More entertainment tax and service tax collections. |
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Consumer may, in the interim, not gain due to the flux in the situation. |
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IBF Press Releas |
 Chairman, Reliance Entertainment |
 President, Initiative Media |
 Executive VP, Hinduja TMT Ltd. |
I
don't expect the total subscription revenues of pay networks to come
down |
I
feel the consumer will remain a mute spectator; perhaps a victim of
divided lobbies. |
Government
should also provide for an interim arrangement to settle all disputes. |
 CEO, Aaj Tak |
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Every
channel will have to strengthen its content. |
