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Pro-CAS groups threaten to ‘expose’ opponents of legislation at media briefing today
NEW DELHI: The issue of conditional access system (CAS) is getting not only getting curioser, but also hotter.
Joining issue with a consumer activist group of Delhi is the Delhi-based National Cable and Telecom Association (NCTA) which has called for a press conference later in the day to highlight the inadequacy of the government in enacting a legislation that would facilitate the implementation of the CAS in phases in the country.
On one hand the Delhi cable operators have threatened a blackout of satellite channels for an hour in the evening, beginning 20 July, while on the other hand NCTA, whose founder members include vocal supporters of CAS, have said that during the press conference it will expose the lobby which is opposing CAS being brought about.
In the meantime, indiantelevision.com learns from reliable government sources that till yesterday broadcasters lobbied with the official of the I&B ministry highlighting the shortcomings in the Bill which will have a legislation in place on CAS, something of the sort which has not been tried out elsewhere in the present format.
It is also learnt that government officials told a foreign broadcaster representative yesterday that in the basic tier the government is basically looking at including Doordarshan channels.
Coming back to the NCTA press conference, it is learnt that all those who support CAS will be out in strength at the media briefing to present the cable service providers view and position.
The issue is the proposed amendment to the Cable TV Networks Regulations Act 1995, which is pending an okay from the Rajya Sabha (Upper House) of the Indian Parliament. It has already cleared the Lok Sabha (Lower House). NCTA feels that the amendment in the Cable TV Networks Regulation Act to implement the CAS has been delayed “under the influence of major broadcasters.”
According to Vikki Choudhry, general secretary of the NCTA, the opposition parties are “behaving strangely.” They first supported CAS but now are turning it down, an NCTA statement on the eve of the press conference said.
Pointing out that CAS “will affect the advertisement revenue for each and every pay TV channel,” NCTA has said the issue of under declaration too, will be addressed by CAS.
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Kamlesh Singh receives Haldi Ghati Award from MMCF
India Today Group editor honoured for three decades of journalism at Udaipur ceremony.
MUMBAI- Kamlesh Singh just turned a lifetime of sharp words into a shiny shield because when journalism wakes up a society, even the Maharana of Mewar wants to pin a medal on it.
The Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF) conferred its prestigious Haldi Ghati Award on Kamlesh Singh, a senior editor at the India Today Group, during a ceremony in Udaipur on 15 March 2026. The national award, instituted in 1981-82, recognises “work of permanent value that initiates an awakening in society through the medium of journalism.”
Singh, who leads several editorial initiatives including Aaj Tak Radio, the Teen Taal community and The Lallantop, was presented the honour by Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, Managing Trustee of MMCF. The citation highlighted his three decades of contributions to Indian media, innovations in digital journalism, mentoring young reporters, and his popular podcast persona “Tau” on Teen Taal, which fosters thoughtful public discourse.
The Haldi Ghati Award, named after the historic Battle of Haldighati symbolising valour and resilience, is one of four national awards given annually by MMCF. Past recipients include Tavleen Singh, Piyush Pandey and Raj Chengappa.
Other honourees this year included Padma Vibhushan Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Vedamurti Devvrat Rekhe, Treeman of India Marimuthu Yoganathan, Vir Chakra Capt Rizwan Malik, and US-based researcher Molly Emma Aitken, who received the Colonel James Tod Award for contributions to understanding Mewar’s spirit and values.
In an era where headlines often shout louder than substance, the MMCF quietly reminded everyone that real journalism isn’t about noise, it’s about the quiet, persistent work that stirs society awake, one thoughtful story at a time.
