“Get the latest clarifications from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on FDI policy for OTT platforms, guidelines for satellite TV channels, and net worth requirements. Stay informed on uplinking, downlinking, and provisional applications, ensuring compliance in the broadcasting industry.”
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) clarifies guidelines for satellite TV channel uplinking and downlinking, provisional application form notified for foreign countries viewing, and FDI policy for OTT platforms hosting digital feed to news channels clarified
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has issued a clarification on the policy guidelines for uplinking and downlinking of satellite TV channels. It has reaffirmed that only permitted entities can provide TV channel signal decoders to Multi-System Operators (MSOs), cable operators registered under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act 1995, Direct-to-Home (DTH) operators, Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) service providers, and Headend-In-The-Sky (HITS) operators registered under the Policy Guidelines for HITS operators issued by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
The ministry has also notified the provisional application form for seeking approval by permitted teleport operators to uplink television channels for viewing only in foreign countries. A foreign company entity can uplink its content for being downlinked and viewed outside India, provided that permission is granted by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of External Affairs, and Department of Space.
Permitted Teleport Operators may apply in format for processing the applicant attached to the office memorandum. Teleport Operators, Broadcasters, and other stakeholders are invited to submit their comments on the provisional application form.
Clarification on FDI Policy of Government of India on OTT Platforms
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has issued a clarification on whether the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Policy of the Government of India is applicable to Over-the-Top (OTT) platforms hosting digital feed to the news channels. The ministry has clarified that when an OTT platform is hosting digital feed of a TV news channel granted permission under the Uplinking & Downlinking Guidelines, only as a medium and makes it available to its subscribers/users, such an OTT platform is not covered under the 26% FDI rule.
Net Worth Requirement for Channels Permitted Before 2011
The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB) has also come up with a clarification regarding the net worth requirement for channels permitted prior to 2011. According to the latest notification, the net worth must be increased to meet 25% and 75% of the difference by December 31, 2023, and September 30, 2024, respectively. In any case, all existing permission holders must achieve the minimum net worth requirement as per guidelines of 2022 by December 31, 2024.
Overall, these clarifications by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting provide greater clarity and guidance for entities involved in the broadcasting industry.
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