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Prasar Bharati to TRAI: OTTs streaming live TV should mandatorily carry all Doordarshan channels
MUMBAI: Public broadcaster Prasar Bharati has suggested to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) that certain norms be made mandatory for OTT providers, in order to bring them on a level playing field with TV broadcasters and not just limit their comparison to telecom service providers (TSPs). OTT providers should abide by certain rules including one that OTT platforms streaming live TV should mandatorily carry all Doordarshan channels like DTH, MSOs or cable operators do.
Under these regulations, Prasar Bharati is of the view that those OTT services should be included that provide audio/video content or broadcast services such as live, delayed or on-demand content. Such apps ‘should comply’ with basic regulatory and legal conditions which could be a subset of those that currently exist for TV broadcasters.
Prasar Bharati made these suggestions as part of its comments to a recent TRAI consultation paper. While the consultation paper only looks at comparing OTTs to TSPs, Prasar Bharati feels that since several OTTs are providing content that is parallel to linear TV, it is only fair that when rules are made, it is taken into account that they not only substitute TSPs but even traditional broadcasters. After this, the type of service provider should also be made a criterion for creating regulatory and licensing norms.
Prasar Bharati feels that currently, OTTs have a free reign but if OTT providers are relaying news content then they should register with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB). The need for regulation, in this case, is especially high given the rising incidences of fake news and mischievous reporting. The regulations will also make OTT providers accountable and responsible especially if some content could be deemed to be ‘against national security’.
It also brought into focus the system of audience measurement that has been established for linear TV and the same should also be applicable when these channels are shown live on OTT platforms.
Prasar Bharati also sees the positive side of OTTs being helpful during calamities and natural disasters where it could prove as an important tool for broadcast. For this, it says that there needs to be synergy between various stakeholders.
TRAI released a consultation paper on regulatory framework for OTT communication services in November. “The authority has chosen in this consultation to focus only on regulatory issues and economic concerns pertaining to such OTT services as can be regarded the same or similar to the services provided by TSPs,” TRAI said in the release. The paper mainly focused on issues regarding the relationship between OTTs and TSPs.
The pubcaster has strongly advocated for basic regulatory and legal conditions to be applied to OTT providers offering broadcast services through internet.
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.
