The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) issued a set of guidelines for platform services (PS) by multi-system operators (MSOs), on November 30, 2022.
As per the Cable Television Network Rules, 1994, MSOs can transmit their programming service either directly to their own subscribers or via one or more local cable operators. MSOs are given a 12-month period to comply with these guidelines issued in accordance with Rule 6(6) of the Cable Television Network Rules.
The online registration process for PS channels by MSOs has been set at a nominal fee of Rs 1,000 per PS channel.
The online registration portal for this purpose shall be notified shortly. As per the new guidelines, only entities registered as ‘Companies’ can provide local news and current affairs. MSOs that want to broadcast local news and current affairs should apply within three months with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs for conversion into “company”.
The total number of permitted PS channels per operator would be 5% of the total channel carriage capacity. This will be checked State/Union Territory level to ensure meet the demand of the local subscribers. Two PS channels shall be permitted at the level of each District to cater to the need for local content. All PS channels are advised to carry a caption as ‘Platform Services’ to distinguish them from the registered TV channels.
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The Content of the PS should be exclusive to the platform. However, sharing of live feeds from religious places like Temples, Gurudwaras etc. shall be permitted.
All PS channels will be placed together under the genre of ‘Platform Services’ in the Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) along with their Maximum Retail Price and option for activation / de-activation of PS as per the applicable orders/ directions/ regulation(s) of TRAI. MSOs should retain recordings of all PS channel programmes for a period of 90 days.
Any content-related complaint shall be examined by the Authorised Officer prescribed under the CTN Act, 1995, and the State/ District Monitoring Committee.
These guidelines have been issued to ensure the right usage of the network capacity. Also, sufficient provisions have been made in the guidelines for MSOs to cater to the demand for local content by their subscribers. Content on PS channels should adhere to Programme Code and Advertisement Code.
