News Broadcasting
TRAI issued notice on appeal by consumer body seeking proper regulation of ads on channels
NEW DELHI: The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) has issued a notice to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on a petition by a consumers body demanding the proper regulation of advertisements on cable and satellite television channels.
TDSAT said yesterday that it will hear the appeal after other related matters such as the appeal by the News Broadcasters Association have been heard.
Consumer group MediawatchIndia had approached TDSAT with an appeal that had sought to ‘remind TRAI of its statutory responsibility to check the illegal and unfair practices of television broadcasters who had been indulging in ‘part-screen’ and ‘high-decibel’ ads.’
The consumer group has complained that commercials played during programmes have a higher decibel level than the programme they are interrupting. Commercials as well as promotions of other shows keep appearing on the screen in the middle of the programmes thus distracting the viewer.
Mediawatch in its appeal sought to “challenge the abrupt, unilateral and mala fide act of TRAI in omitting sub-regulations 3(5) & 3(6) Standards of Quality of Service (Duration of Advertisements in Television Channels) Regulations 2012 that deals with “distracting formats of advertisements (part-screen and drop down ads, scrolls etc. interfering the main programme)” and “loud commercials (high audio levels of advertisements vis-?-vis that of programme).”
Mediawatch, earlier in June, made a representation before the Information and Broadcasting Ministry requesting action on the issue.
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.
