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
CNN-News18 to host Fury in the Gulf conclave on West Asia crisis
Three-hour summit to unpack geopolitical fallout and impact on India
MUMBAI: CNN-News18 is set to host a special three-hour broadcast, Fury in the Gulf – War Conclave, on April 7, aiming to decode the escalating West Asia crisis and its far-reaching implications for India.
Scheduled from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, the conclave comes at a time when tensions between Iran and the United States are reshaping global geopolitics and triggering economic uncertainty. With India’s deep energy ties, trade links and large diaspora in the Gulf, the developments carry significant domestic relevance.
Built around the theme ‘Conflict, Consequences, and The Future,’ the programme will feature six curated sessions combining one-on-one interviews and panel discussions. The focus is to cut through the clutter and offer viewers a clearer understanding of the fast-evolving situation.
Key sessions include ‘Diplomacy in Times of War’ featuring Shashi Tharoor, and ‘World After the Iran Conflict’ with voices such as Ram Madhav, Reuven Azar, representatives from the European Union and the Iranian Deputy Envoy. Another session titled ‘Another Dunkirk?’ will bring together K. J. S. Dhillon and Jitin Prasada among others.
CNN-News18 editorial affairs director Rahul Shivshankar said, “In times of war, clarity becomes the most powerful tool. Fury in the Gulf – War Conclave brings together credible voices to address the questions and confusion that arise amid an overwhelming influx of information.”
He added that the initiative is aimed at delivering “facts, perspective, and insight” at a time when misinformation can easily cloud public understanding.
Echoing the sentiment, CNN-News18 CEO– English and business news Smriti Mehra said the conflict marks a defining global moment, with consequences that extend well beyond the region. She noted that the conclave seeks to present the crisis with “depth, nuance and responsibility” so audiences can better grasp its real-world impact.
As geopolitical tensions continue to dominate headlines, the conclave positions itself as an attempt to bring order to the noise, offering viewers a structured, insight-led look at a complex and rapidly shifting global situation.
