News Broadcasting
100 per cent declaration unfeasible, says NCTA
MUMBAI: Underdeclaration has been the way out thus far; 100 per cent declaration is an impractical option. CAS is the effective solution in the foreseeable future. That about surmises what the New Delhi-based National Cable Telecommunication Association feels about the cable scenario in the country.
In a presentation at the Consumer Electronics & TV Manufacturers’ Association (CETMA) seminar in Delhi on Thursday, NCTA’s Vikki Chaudhry outlined the independent cable TV operator’s side of the story, supplemented with statistics. If the cable op has to offer 100 per cent declaration to pay channel broadcasters, says Chaudhry, it would cost the subscriber Rs 402, a figure which Chaudhry claims the average subscriber can ill afford.
On the other hand, cutting operating expenditure to accommodate pay channels and taxes means ‘frequent network breakdowns, poor picture quality, inferior distribution equipment and ineffective implementation of effective CAS’. Underdeclaration to pay channels has thus far entailed an average subscription of Rs 225 to Rs 250 per month, offering “commercial viability to the cable op with scope for upgradation and value service additions, but also some disruptions in pay channel services on issues of subscriber under-declaration,” says Chaudhry.
The implementation of CAS, on the other hand, he says, will offer a basic tier at affordable rates to subscribers, more transparency in business with pay TV broadcasters, a level playing field for all players and additional revenue.
News Broadcasting
News18 hosts Tamil Nadu town hall ahead of 2026 polls
MK Stalin headlines ‘Next Big Leap’ event from 10am on 23 February in Chennai with leaders and icons.
MUMBAI: Tamil Nadu’s political pot is simmering and News18’s town hall is stirring it up just in time for the 2026 assembly elections boilover. Set for 23 February from 10am onwards in Chennai, the News18 Network Town Hall gathers heavyweights under the banner ‘The Next Big Leap for Tamil Nadu’ to dissect the state’s political pulse, economic edge, and cultural clout. With the 234-seat assembly contest looming as a fiercely competitive showdown, the event spotlights how Tamil Nadu’s identity-driven politics and engaged voters continue to ripple across national debates.
Chief minister MK Stalin leads the charge with a keynote on the theme, sketching his government’s blueprint for governance, development, and staying power pre-polls. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin chimes in on ‘Voices, Vision & Way Forward’, unpacking generational shifts and fresh narratives. From the opposition corner, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami tackles ‘Baton Change at the Ballot?’, floating alternatives to the status quo.
Economic vibes get a nudge from industries minister TRB Rajaa on ‘Investment Story Intact?’, probing the state’s draw for big bucks. BJP’s K Annamalai dives into ‘People, Trust & Political Ideology’, positioning his party in the Dravidian-dominated turf. IT Minister Palanivel ThiagaRajan explores ‘Code, Capacity & Citizenship’, on tech’s role in citizen-focused services. TVK’s KG Arunraj questions if ‘Winds of Change are Possible’ in this pattern-prone state.
A panel on innovation features IIT Madras director Prof V Kamakoti, M&M’s Velusamy R, and Electronic Industries Association’s Dr Sasikumar Gendham, musing how AI and knowledge hubs are remaking opportunities. AICC’s Praveen Chakravarty weighs ‘Power Sharing vs Principles’, while former Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan joins the fray. Culture gets its due with composer Anirudh Ravichander on ‘Tamil Music for the World’.
CNN-News18, editorial affairs director Rahul Shivshankar noted, “The News18 Network Tamil Nadu Town Hall… reflects our core editorial focus, to capture the political mood of the state and spotlight the ideas that will shape the next phase of governance and growth.”
Network18, CEO of English & business news Smriti Mehra added, “As Tamil Nadu moves closer to a defining electoral moment… we see it as our responsibility to drive informed and meaningful conversations.”
Network18 managing editor for South, Vivek Narayan said, “The News18 Network Townhall in Tamil Nadu is designed as a platform where policy, politics and public interest intersect.”
Backed by associate partners Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles and Reliance Industries, the live event streams on CNN-News18, News18 Tamil, CTV, and Youtube from 10am on 23 February perfect for catching the sparks, even if you’re not knee-deep in Dravidian drama.
