TRAI tightens audit norms for TV channel distributors

TRAI has notified amendments to its broadcasting and cable interconnection rules, introducing a tighter, deadline-led audit framework for television channel distributors. The Telecommunication (Broadcasting and Cable) Services Interconnection (Addressable Systems) Seventh Amendment Regulations, 2026, were published in the Gazette of India on February 5, 2026, and will come into force from April 1, 2026, according to media reports.

A key change under the revised framework is the shift to financial-year–based audits of addressable systems, replacing the earlier calendar-year approach. All TV channel distributors—including cable operators, DTH services, HITS operators and IPTV platforms—will now be subject to a mandatory annual audit covering operations of the immediately preceding financial year, according to reports.

The audit report, along with all annexures, must be submitted to broadcasters by September 30 each year. To strengthen oversight and ensure uniform standards, TRAI has specified that audits can only be conducted by auditors empanelled with the regulator or by Broadcast Engineering Consultants India Limited (BECIL).

Distributors must notify broadcasters at least 30 days in advance of the audit schedule and share details of the appointed auditor. Broadcasters are permitted to nominate one representative to be present during the audit, but only in an observer role, limited to providing clarifications for verification and without any authority to influence the audit process.

The amended regulations also provide relief for smaller operators. Distributors with an active subscriber base of up to 30,000 have been exempted from mandatory audits, making compliance optional for this category.

However, where distributors function through shared infrastructure or joint venture arrangements, subscriber numbers across all participating entities will be aggregated to determine whether the exemption threshold is met.