MIB proposes unified regulatory regime for TV, Radio and DTH services

In a significant regulatory overhaul aimed at simplifying India's broadcasting landscape, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) on Friday released the draft Telecommunications (Television, Radio and Associated Services) Rules, 2026 for public consultation, marking the first comprehensive consolidation of broadcasting regulations under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.

The proposed rules seek to replace a fragmented licensing regime that has governed television, radio, DTH, Headend-in-the-Sky (HITS), community radio and IPTV services through separate policy guidelines over the past two decades. Industry stakeholders have until July 27 to submit comments on the draft framework.

The move follows the enactment of the Telecommunications Act, 2023, which replaced the colonial-era Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, and lays down a new legal foundation for India's communications ecosystem.

Single Rulebook for Broadcasting Sector

The draft rules integrate six major policy frameworks, including television uplinking and downlinking guidelines, DTH licensing norms, HITS regulations, FM radio policy, community radio guidelines and IPTV rules into a single regulatory architecture.

Government officials said the objective is to create a harmonised authorisation regime, reduce compliance complexity and improve ease of doing business for broadcasters and distribution platforms.

Under the proposed framework, authorisations have been classified into six categories: television channels, television channel distribution services, teleports, television news agencies, private radio services and community radio services.

IPTV Gets Formal Recognition

One of the notable features of the draft is the formal integration of Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) into the telecom regulatory framework.

Entities holding internet service authorisation under telecom rules or registered multi-system operators (MSOs) will be allowed to offer IPTV services after filing a declaration with the government. IPTV providers will also be required to comply with programme and advertising codes and maintain content recordings for 90 days.

Industry executives view the move as an important step toward regulatory parity between traditional broadcast delivery systems and internet-based television services.

National Service Area for TV, DTH and Teleports

The draft proposes a "national service area" concept covering the entire territory of India for television channels, DTH platforms, HITS operators, teleports and television news agencies.

Private FM radio and community radio stations, however, will continue to operate within specified geographical service areas.

Authorisation validity periods have also been standardised. Television channels, teleports and community radio stations will receive 10-year authorisations, television distribution services such as DTH and HITS will receive 20-year authorisations, while private FM radio operators will receive 15-year authorisations.

Notably, private FM radio licences will not be eligible for renewal under the proposed framework.

New Obligations for Television Channels

The draft introduces several operational obligations for television broadcasters.

All television channels must commence operations within one year of receiving spectrum assignment and remain continuously operational. Channels remaining off-air for more than 90 consecutive days could face deemed withdrawal of authorisation.

In a significant public-interest mandate, television broadcasters will be required to air at least 30 minutes of programming every day on themes such as education, agriculture, health, science and technology, women’s welfare, environmental protection and national integration.

The government has retained the requirement for broadcasters to comply with the Programme Code and Advertising Code applicable under cable television regulations.

Tightened Ownership and Cross-Holding Norms

The draft retains and codifies restrictions on cross-media ownership and equity participation.

For DTH operators, television broadcasters and cable operators will not be allowed to collectively hold more than 20% equity. Similarly, DTH operators cannot own more than 20% equity in television channels or cable distribution entities.

The rules also place restrictions on cross-holdings involving HITS operators, aimed at preventing excessive vertical integration within the broadcasting value chain.

Security Provisions Strengthened

The draft places considerable emphasis on security oversight.

Authorised entities, key managerial personnel and governing body members will be required to maintain security clearance throughout the validity period of their authorisation.

For news channels, television news agencies, distribution platforms and private FM radio operators, a majority of directors and key managerial personnel must be residents of India.

Foreign personnel involved in installation, maintenance or operation of broadcasting infrastructure will require prior security clearance from the government before deployment.

Major Changes for FM Radio Sector

The draft largely carries forward existing FM radio regulations but introduces a structured authorisation framework under the Telecom Act.

Private FM broadcasters will continue to be selected through auctions and will be required to broadcast at least one hour of content daily on themes of national importance and social relevance.

The rules also mandate that at least 20% of daily programming consist of local content.

While the longstanding prohibition on independent radio news continues, broadcasters will be permitted to carry unaltered news bulletins from Akashvani. Information relating to sports, weather, traffic, examinations, employment opportunities and civic services will continue to be classified as non-news content.

The draft also preserves market concentration safeguards by limiting operators to a maximum of 40% of radio channels in a city, subject to a minimum of three operators.

Community Radio Framework Expanded

The proposed rules broaden eligibility for community radio authorisations by including self-help groups, farmer producer organisations and Krishi Vigyan Kendras, alongside existing non-profit entities.

Applicants will be required to demonstrate at least three years of community development work in the geographical area for which the licence is sought.

Community radio operators will remain prohibited from carrying commercial sponsored programming, except for public-interest content sponsored by government bodies and approved organisations.

Digital-First Compliance Regime

The government plans to implement the new framework through designated digital portals, enabling online application processing, renewals, reporting, security clearances and compliance submissions.

Broadcasters will be required to report changes in ownership, foreign investment, management structure and operational details through the digital system.

The draft also grants the government powers to conduct audits, inspections and monitoring exercises, including surprise inspections where prior notice could defeat the purpose of enforcement.

Industry Awaits Clarity on Financial Terms

While the draft establishes the legal and procedural framework for authorisations, industry participants are expected to closely examine the financial implications outlined in the schedules, including authorisation fees, performance bank guarantees, entry fees and revenue-sharing obligations.

For DTH and FM radio operators, annual authorisation fees will continue to be linked to adjusted gross revenue, with detailed reporting and audit provisions retained under the new framework.

Consultation Begins

The ministry said the rules are intended to create a "unified and significantly simplified rulebook" for the broadcasting industry while aligning the sector with the broader objectives of the Telecommunications Act, 2023.

The consultation is likely to attract detailed feedback from broadcasters, DTH operators, radio networks, telecom operators, satellite companies and digital television service providers, particularly on ownership restrictions, content obligations, compliance requirements and financial conditions.

Once finalised, the rules will become the principal regulatory framework governing India's television, radio and associated broadcasting services, completing the migration from the legacy Telegraph Act regime to the new telecommunications law architecture.