MAM
AROI welcomes TRAI’s broadcasting recommendations under Telecommunications Act
MUMBAI: This is one industry which is kind of giving the thumbs up to the recently recommended changes to broadcasting services by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s (TRAI) under the Telecommunications Act, 2023. In fact, the radio industry has gone beyond that and has welcome the proposed changes through The Association of Radio Operators for India (AROI).
The proposals outline significant changes to the regulatory framework, replacing the existing licensing model with a structured authorisation system intended to streamline operations and foster digital transformation.
The key recommendations include:
* A voluntary migration path for existing licensees until 2030, becoming mandatory thereafter
* Technology-neutral approach to facilitate digital broadcasting transition
* Separation of service authorisation from frequency assignment
* Permission for private FM stations to broadcast news and current affairs for up to 10 minutes hourly
* Allowance for terrestrial radio services to stream content online simultaneously
* Removal of mandatory co-location requirements for FM radio stations
* Voluntary infrastructure sharing between broadcasting and telecom providers
* Implementation of a separate programme code and advertisement code for private radio
* 10-year licence renewal periods with a 4 per cent adjusted gross revenue fee structure
* Potential shift from city-wise to district-wise allocation of FM frequencies
The Telecommunications Act, 2023, which repeals the Indian Telegraph Act of 1885, mandates authorisation for entities providing telecommunication services, though implementation dates remain pending.
An AROI spokesperson acknowledged the recommendations as “a welcome step towards industry growth and regulatory clarity” whilst noting certain aspects may require “further discussion” to fully serve private broadcasters’ interests
Brands
ITC Sunfeast Farmlite launches Sugar Free Cookies range
New variants offer guilt-free indulgence for health-conscious snackers.
MUMBAI: ITC Sunfeast Farmlite is sweetening the deal for biscuit lovers who want to have their cookie and eat it too without the sugar. The better-for-you biscuits range from ITC Foods has expanded its portfolio with the launch of an all-new Sugar Free Cookies line, aligning with the company’s vision of ‘Help India Eat Better’. The range is designed for consumers who are rethinking sugar in their daily snacking but refuse to compromise on taste and indulgence.
The collection debuts with two tempting variants: Choco Nut Cookies and Hazelnut & Oats Cookies. Both are a source of protein and contain no trans-fat, while the Hazelnut & Oats variant is also lactose-free.
ITC Ltd. vice president (marketing), biscuits, foods division, Suraj Kathuria said, “At Sunfeast Farmlite, we believe mindful snacking should never come at the cost of indulgence. With this launch, we are catering to the growing need for guilt-free snacking while delivering a rich, satisfying cookie experience.”
ITC Ltd. vice president & head of food sciences for foods division Dr Shantanu Das added, “We have applied robust food science to develop cookies that are sugar-free while preserving the taste and texture consumers love.”
Each cookie comes in convenient single-serve packs to maintain texture and freshness. Both variants are available in 100g packs priced at ₹100 and can be found on quick-commerce platforms including Blinkit, Swiggy Instamart, and Zepto.
In a market increasingly leaning towards healthier choices, ITC Sunfeast Farmlite’s new Sugar Free Cookies prove that cutting sugar doesn’t mean cutting joy. For the health-conscious yet indulgent snacker, this could be the perfect bite-sized solution.
