News Broadcasting
Trai sees possible private play in terrestrial TV
NEW DELHI: The Telecom regulatory Authority of India today released a consultation paper on private terrestrial TV broadcasting service, indicating that the sector could be thrown open to private participation.
The consultation paper covers the issues relating to allowing private broadcasters in the field of terrestrial television broadcasting.
Pointing out that though in India terrestrial broadcasting has been the prerogative of national broadcaster Doordarshan, Trai has said in most developed countries in the world, terrestrial TV broadcasting is “not exclusively reserved for the public service broadcasters.” Even in developing countries, private terrestrial television broadcast services are common.
Terrestrial television is the traditional method of television broadcast signal delivery. In India, at present, even though there are more than 100 television channels available on cable television networks, terrestrial television broadcasting remains in the exclusive domain of Doordarshan under Prasar Bharati.
The purpose of this consultation paper is to generate discussion on the appropriate policy and licensing framework for the introduction of private terrestrial television broadcast service in India.
Given the developed status of the cable/satellite services, it is not clear whether there would be sufficient private interest. Therefore, after considering the inputs, TRAI would either give its recommendation or go in for a more detailed consultation process.
The specific issues posed for consultation have been put together in Chapter-6, Trai has said, adding that details on this process could be had from its site, www.trai.gov.in.
Meanwhile, the regulator also announced that it proposes to hold Open House Discussions on the subject in May, 2005.
The Delhi session would be held on 16 March, while the Mumbai event is slated for 18 March.
All interested agencies / individuals are invited to participate in the process. The consultation paper is available on the TRAI’s website.
News Broadcasting
CNN-News18 rolls out Battle for the States ahead of key polls
Multi-format election coverage tracks voter mood across five battleground states
NEW DELHI: CNN-News18 has launched a special election programming initiative titled Battle for the States, as India gears up for high-stakes Assembly elections across West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam and Puducherry.
Built around the theme ‘Road to Power’, the multi-format coverage aims to follow the entire electoral journey, from campaigning and polling to results and government formation. The network is leaning into on-ground reportage and data-backed storytelling to decode voter sentiment across regions where local issues often shape the narrative.
The programming line-up includes ‘Vote Tracker’, a three-part series developed in collaboration with survey agency Vote Vibe. The show blends survey insights with expert commentary and field reporting, using augmented reality graphics to present complex electoral data such as vote share, seat projections and leadership preferences in a more accessible format. It will air every Monday evening until April 6.
Adding a cultural lens to political reporting is ‘So Saree!’, a ground-driven segment where women anchors travel across constituencies dressed in traditional handwoven sarees from each state. The format uses attire as a storytelling device, highlighting regional identity while capturing grassroots voices.
Meanwhile, ‘Unfiltered Kaapi’ and ‘Chai-Niti’ bring a more conversational tone, drawing inspiration from everyday political discussions in tea stalls and coffee corners. These segments aim to break down key issues through candid, fast-paced exchanges between anchors and reporters, tailored to regional sensibilities.
For viewers seeking deeper insights, the weekend docuseries ‘Reporters Project’ takes a longer view, with correspondents travelling across constituencies to map voter concerns and political shifts on the ground.
“Elections are about people, their aspirations, identities and the issues that matter to them, and every state tells a different story,” said CNN-News18 editorial affairs director Rahul Shivshankar. He added that the initiative focuses on understanding “the sentiment on the ground and what’s driving voter choices”.
Echoing the emphasis on credibility, Network18 CEO – English and business news Smriti Mehra said the network aims to combine on-ground reporting with data-led insights to deliver clear and timely coverage as the elections unfold.
With a mix of data, culture and grassroots reporting, CNN-News18 is positioning Battle for the States as a comprehensive window into one of India’s most closely watched electoral cycles, where every vote carries a story waiting to be told.
