TV is fading, but the rulebook refuses to change

The Indian television broadcasting industry is experiencing significant challenges as traditional TV viewership declines due to the rise of over-the-top (OTT) platforms, leaving broadcasters and distribution operators seeking greater commercial flexibility. Regulatory uncertainty looms as the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) have yet to initiate consultation processes on key issues such as tariff forbearance, renewal of the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) licence, regulation of application-based linear television distribution (ALTD) services, and rationalisation of licence fees.

Industry executives, broadcasters, and distribution platform operators are awaiting decisions from these authorities to manage the shrinking market. The decline in pay-DTH subscribers, from 56.92 million in Q1 2025 to 49.05 million in Q1 2026, highlights the structural contraction of the industry, which could have far-reaching consequences for broadcasters, content investment, employment, and households reliant on satellite television for information and entertainment.

Brief written by urgent.news from The Economic Times's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.