I&B Ministry
FTII gets new auditorium; I&B minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurates it
MUMBAI: At last some attention is being paid to the venerable Film & Television Institute of India. A new auditorium in its complex was ribbon cut by I&B, railways, and electronics and information technology minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on 11 January.
This marked Vaishnaw’s first visit to the esteemed institution, which operates under the ministry of information and broadcasting. The minister was joined by students as he cut the ribbon and lit the ceremonial lamp, symbolising the beginning of a new chapter for FTII.
In an open forum with students and faculty following the inauguration, Vaishnaw articulated his vision for FTII’s future, aiming to elevate the institute on the global stage.
“Our legacy and heritage provide a firm foundation to embark on the journey of further excellence,” he stated, emphasising the importance of advancing the institution’s educational offerings.
The minister addressed various questions from faculty and students, particularly regarding the proposed deemed university status for FTII. He also shared his vision for cinema education in India, focusing on strengthening career prospects for students and fostering greater industry linkages.
Citing the success of Gati Shakti Vishvavidyalaya, which has rapidly become a key talent provider for global players, Vaishnaw underlined the importance of such industry partnerships.
The newly inaugurated auditorium, with a seating capacity of 586, is equipped with state-of-the-art features, including a cinema projector, a PA system for stage performances, and a cutting-edge Dolby Atmos surround sound system.
One of its most innovative features is a horizontally movable screen, measuring 50 feet in width and 20 feet in height. This screen can be easily adjusted with a remote control, transforming the auditorium into a full-fledged cinema theatre. This pioneering feature, which sets a new standard for flexibility in auditorium design, is believed to be the first of its kind, and FTII has already filed for a patent for the technology.
During his visit, Vaishnaw also toured various facilities at the institute and interacted with faculty members.
Reflecting on the creative economy, he remarked, “With the talent and ecosystem of FTII, we can become a bigger player in the global entertainment industry.”
I&B Ministry
AIDCF moves TDSAT over Waves plan to stream linear TV channels
Industry body flags regulatory gap as OTT push sparks broadcast turf war
NEW DELHI: The battle between traditional television distributors and digital platforms has found its way to the courts, with the All India Digital Cable Federation (AIDCF) moving the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) against Prasar Bharati’s latest OTT play.
At the heart of the dispute is Waves, Prasar Bharati’s OTT platform, which has invited applications to onboard linear satellite TV channels. Aidcf, which represents multi-system operators (msos), argues that this move sidesteps existing broadcasting rules and risks tilting the playing field in favour of digital platforms.
The federation’s petition hinges on a key provision in the Uplinking and Downlinking Guidelines, 2022. Clause 11(3)(f) allows broadcasters to downlink channels only if they provide signal decoders to recognised distribution platforms such as MSOS, DTH operators, hits operators and iptv platforms. OTT platforms, aidcf points out, do not feature on that list.
In simple terms, AIDCF’s argument is this: if OTT platforms are not officially recognised distributors, they should not be receiving broadcast signals in the first place. By inviting channels onto Waves, the federation claims, Prasar Bharati is opening a backdoor that lets broadcasters bypass long-standing rules.
The concern goes beyond legal interpretation. Aidcf says OTT platforms currently operate without a clear regulatory framework, allowing them to expand into traditional broadcasting territory without the compliance burden that cable and satellite operators must carry. That, it argues, creates an uneven contest.
There is also a warning for broadcasters. If they provide signal decoders to an OTT platform like Waves, they could risk breaching the very conditions under which their downlinking permissions were granted.
For its part, Prasar Bharati’s Waves initiative is positioned as a step towards wider access and digital reach, bringing linear television into the streaming era. But critics say the move blurs the line between regulated broadcasting and largely unregulated streaming.
The matter is expected to come up before tdsat next week. The outcome could do more than settle a single dispute. It may help define how India regulates the fast-merging worlds of television and OTT, where the lines are getting fuzzier by the day and the stakes, sharper than ever.
