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Offer Premium channels as a la carte, don’t bundle: TRAI
NEW DELHI: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, which issued draft DAS tariff earlier today, decided that a broadcaster will be free to declare any of its channels as ‘Premium’ so long as its maximum retail price is notified to the subscriber.
TRAI considered all the issues relevant to the classification and pricing of ‘Premium channels’ recognising the fact that encouragement of quality content through a rational classification and a distinctly different ‘Premium’ pricing policy will benefit all.
TRAI decided that the premium channels shall be offered only on a-la-carte basis to subscribers and shall not form a part of any bouquet or package in the entire value chain.
The distributors of television channels will also display MRP of Premium channels in their EPG and also provide a special flag in EPG for easy identification of Premium channels by subscribers.
It noted that, with a maturing TV audience, a demand was felt for content that may not have a mass following. This is borne by the fact that there have been an increasing number of channels that cater to a niche audience. A number of niche channel issues like redefinition, classification criteria, tariff fixation, gestation and related facets were posed for consultation.
It noted that most stakeholders responded enthusiastically to the idea of redefining ‘Niche channel’ in the new scenario and their regulation in a manner that is different from mass viewing channels like general entertainment, etc. The stakeholders also expressed concerns about possible misuse if genre price cap is totally withdrawn for certain category of the content while submitting their suggestions for classification of such niche channels.
TRAI noted that broadcasters provide popular content for mass viewing to get large viewership of their channels, and hence more revenue from advertisements. This has resulted in minimal investments in the development of content which is viewed by a select class of viewers. Such content is not limited to niche channels only; there is other type of content which has a select viewership such as education, health, and women welfare etc.
The advertisement revenues for Premium channels may also be relatively limited due to the limited viewership. Therefore, TRAI is of the view that the MRP of a premium channel will be under forbearance. It can be argued that forbearance may allow the broadcasters to fix high MRP for premium channels. However, high MRP may deter customers to subscribe to such channels impacting the subscription as well as advertising revenue of a broadcaster. This will compel broadcasters to price their premium channels reasonably.
The categorization of a ‘Premium channel’ will be agnostic of the content, format (SD/HD etc). Once a broadcaster has reported a channel as a ‘Premium channel’, it will continue to do as long as the broadcaster chooses to, subject to a minimum period of six months. Any reported change in the category of a ‘Premium channel’ to other genre would then be subject to the reporting related to the genres and associated ceilings.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
