The NTO 2.0 may have delivered body blows to the relationship between broadcasters & TRAI, but experts say it is possible to make amends if both sides are willing to walk halfway
As per the implementation plan, the DPOs will have to ensure that subscribers avail of pay-TV service as per NTO 2.0 norms with effect from 1st April 2022
The Bench also noted that the second proviso of the twin conditions of NTO 2.0 is arbitrary and violates the broadcasters fundamental rights
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Apart from the complexities and implications of the recommendation, experts are questioning the timing and economic viability of the plan
Maharashtra Cable Operators Federation said the implementation process will necessitate frequent interaction between subscribers and field executives
The court noted that the implementation of NTO 1 was also put on hold by Madras High Court on similar grounds
The Court has also asked TRAI whether the matter can be deferred by a month since the hearing will take time
On January 30, the case was adjourned for today
The Indian Broadcasting Foundation had filed a writ petition on January 13 against the regulatory body seeking a stay on the implementation of NTO 2.0
A CRISIL February 2019 report had cautioned that the new network capacity fee and channel prices could lead to an increase in subscribers’ monthly TV bills
The Court had called both parties for the next hearing and interim relief on January 22, in which TRAI filed an affidavit in response to broadcasters' petitions
NTO 2.0 restricts DPOs from changing the LCN of channels. This will prevent DPOs from placing channels out of genre and negotiating money from broadcasters for 'correct placement'
IBF and major broadcasters had moved the court on January 13
Two days after broadcasters in a joint press conference opposed the NTO 2.0, TRAI chairman RS Sharma said they are open to discussion with the stakeholders
Broadcasters believe NTO 2.0 is a disruption that will destabilise the industry business. On the other hand, TRAI claims it will fix the gaps that the first one did not; consumer bills will go down
At the IBF Press meet discussing recent amendments to TRAI's NTO, Megha Tata, MD, Discovery – South Asia, says a progressive policy framework must be impartial to all stakeholders in the ecosystem
At an IBF meet addressing TRAI's amendments to the NTO, Goenka, CEO & MD of ZEE, says the concern now is regarding the constraints which come with basic execution and operation
Shankar, President of The Walt Disney Company APAC & Chairman of Star and Disney India, spoke at an IBF meet held to address recent amendments made to TRAI's NTO
According to TRAI Secretary SK Gupta, at the time of NTO implementation, broadcasters were up in arms claiming that it will harm the industry but broadcasters and DPOs ended up profiting from it