I&B Ministry
MIB denies sale of TV Today’s radio biz to ENIL
MUMBAI: The wait for TV Today Network, which has been looking at selling its radio FM business to Entertainment Network (India) Limited (ENIL) is finally over, but not with the result that the network was expecting.
In a recent development, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has declined its approval to TV Today Network to sell its radio FM business – Oye FM – to ENIL. The approval has been denied on the grounds that the proposed sale did not conform with the FM Radio Guidelines.
TV Today today said that the “application made to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), Government of India seeking its approval regarding the sale of Radio FM Business [Seven Radio Stations] to Entertainment Network (India) Limited, MIB by their order dated 1 May, 2015, received on 8 May, 2015, has declined its approval on the grounds that the proposal sale is not in conformity with the FM Radio Guidelines.”
However, the company has reserved its right to seek appropriate legal remedy, as and when required.
Further, a committee meeting of senior officials was held on 8 May to take note of the said order. “Keeping in view the said order, the committee has considered and approved the amendment letter to the Non binding Memorandum of Understanding to be signed between the Company and Entertainment Network (India) Limited,” a statement from the company read.
It can be recalled that earlier in April, TV Today had approached the High Court with regards to the delay in MIB’s approval to sell the company’s FM radio business to ENIL.
The network had then said, “In relation to the proposed sale of seven radio stations to Entertainment Network (India) Limited, since time is of essence and with approval of the MIB getting delayed, hence in order to expedite the matter, an urgent writ petition in the High Court is listed for hearing, to seek necessary relief.”
I&B Ministry
CBFC speeds up film certification; average approval time cut to 22 days
Over 71,900 films cleared in five years as digital system shortens approval timelines
MUMBAI: The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) has significantly reduced the time taken to certify films, with the average approval timeline now down to 22 working days for feature films and just three days for short films.
Operating under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the statutory body certifies films for public exhibition in line with the Cinematograph Act, 1952 and the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024. The rules prescribe a maximum certification period of 48 working days, though the adoption of the Online Certification System has sharply accelerated the process.
Over the past five years, from 2020-21 to 2024-25, the board certified a total of 71,963 films across formats. Of these, the majority fell under the U category with 41,817 titles, followed by UA with 28,268 films and A with 1,878 films. No films were certified under the S category during the period.
Film approvals have also steadily risen in recent years. The CBFC cleared 8,299 films in 2020-21, a figure that peaked at 18,070 in 2022-23 before settling at 15,444 films in 2024-25. During the same period, 11,064 films were certified with cuts or modifications.
Despite the high volume of certifications, outright refusals remain rare. Only three films were denied certification over the last five years, with one refusal recorded in 2022-23 and two in 2024-25.
The board may recommend cuts or modifications if a film violates statutory parameters relating to the sovereignty and integrity of India, security of the state, friendly relations with foreign states, public order, decency or morality, defamation, contempt of court or incitement to an offence.
Filmmakers can challenge CBFC decisions in court. Data shows that such disputes remain limited but have seen some fluctuation. Between 2021 and 2025, a total of 21 certification decisions were challenged before High Courts, with the number rising to 10 cases in 2025.
Responding to a question in the Rajya Sabha, minister of state for information and broadcasting L. Murugan shared the data. The question was raised by Mallikarjun Kharge.
With faster timelines and a largely digital workflow, the certification process appears to be moving at a far brisker pace, signalling a shift towards quicker clearances for India’s growing film output.
