News Broadcasting
New cable ops association formed in the South
MUMBAI: Cable TV Operators Associations of South India have come together and formed the South Indian Federation of Cable TV Operators Association (Sifcoa).
The associations who have come together are – Tamizhaka Cable TV Operators General Welfare Association (TCOA), Karnataka Cable TV Chamber of Commerce, Pondicherry State Cable TV Owners Association, Andhra Pradesh Cable TV Operators Association and Cable TV Operators Association of Kerala (COA). One of the aims is to get all the trade protection and concessions for the industry from the central and state governments. In addition Sifcoa also wants representation in the Telecom Regulatory Authority Of India and other governing bodies regarding the cable industry
The organisation has also set itself the job of protecting the cable operators from unreasonable and sudden price hikes of pay channels and the MSO’s. It also wants to control the unhealthy competition that has been created by the pay channels and MSO’s. The organisation is also hoping to achieve uniformity in the rate of pay channels across the country. It wants the central government to recognise cable TV as a small scale industry (SSI) so that it can avail of all the benefits given to SSI units.
It also wants to bring to the government’s notice the fact that in the interest of the viewer the government should avoid imposing service tax, entertainment tax on cable television. This will in turn curtail the price hike. Sifcoa will have its first meeting next month in Chennai.
Meanwhile the fourth state conference of the Cable TV Operators Association of Kerala, at Ernakulam Town hall took place a few days ago. MP Dr. Sebastian Paul said that the easy access to technology prevented the dominance by anybody in the media world. He noted that the methods for local editions and niche transmissions are on the upswing. This causes broadcasting to be narrow casting Paul continued. He lamented the fact that the local cable TV operators of Kerala were a neglected lot and stressed that the association must take steps to obtain their rights from the governing bodies.
The function was presided over by Asianet ‘s managing editor KP Mohanan. The event was followed by the Mega Cable Fest 2004 a day tater. One of the highlights was a grand cultural procession. Nearly 4000 people from all the 14 districts of Kerala took part in the procession.
Cable operators from each district brought with them the unique cultural troupe from their hometown.
News Broadcasting
UDF poised to return to power in Kerala, says Manorama-CVoter survey
Massive opinion poll projects shift in Kerala politics ahead of 2026 Assembly elections.
MUMBAI: The winds of change appear to be blowing through Kerala’s political landscape and this time, they seem to favour the United Democratic Front. A comprehensive mega opinion survey conducted by Manorama News in partnership with CVoter projects a potential comeback for the UDF in the upcoming Kerala Legislative Assembly Elections 2026. The survey, covering all 140 constituencies with a massive sample size of nearly 90,000 respondents, predicts the UDF could win between 69 and 81 seats.
The ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) is expected to secure 57 to 69 seats, a significant drop from the 99 seats it won in the 2021 elections. This would mean the LDF losing 30 to 42 of its sitting seats. Meanwhile, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), which drew a blank in 2021, is projected to open its account with 1 to 5 seats.
Region-wise, the UDF is expected to make strong gains in Malabar, winning 25 to 34 out of 48 seats, and in Central Kerala, where it could bag 29 to 33 out of 53 seats. In South Kerala, the LDF is likely to retain an edge with 21 to 25 seats, while the UDF may improve to 12 to 16 seats. The NDA could pick up 1 to 3 seats in the southern region.
The survey was conducted between 14 and 26 March 2026, with additional tracker and snap polls carried out from December 2025 to March 2026. A total of 89,693 respondents participated, ensuring representation across all demographics and social segments.
Manorama News has a strong track record of accuracy, with its previous projections closely matching the actual results of the 2019 and 2024 Lok Sabha elections as well as the 2021 Kerala Assembly polls.
In Kerala’s famously fierce political battles, this survey suggests the pendulum may be swinging back. Whether the final verdict matches these numbers or throws up another surprise, one thing is clear, the 2026 Assembly elections are shaping up to be one of the most keenly watched contests in the state’s history.
