TRAI Chief Pushes Digital Radio, 4K Expansion & Easier Rules for India’s Media Boom
At the 25th edition of FICCI FRAMES, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti outlined a forward-looking vision for India’s broadcasting and media industry, stressing the need for balanced regulation, innovation, and digital expansion to fuel growth.
Lahoti revealed that India’s Media & Entertainment (M&E) sector added ₹2.5 trillion to the economy in 2024, with projections to surpass ₹3 trillion by 2027. The broadcasting segment alone contributed nearly ₹680 billion last year.
Highlighting the industry’s rapid evolution — from analog to digital, and now 4K broadcasting — he noted the influence of Smart TVs, 5G connectivity, and OTT platforms serving over 600 million users, while underlining that linear television remains dominant with 190 million households.
“TRAI’s mission is to ensure orderly sectoral growth by fostering innovation, fair competition, consumer transparency, and protection for smaller players,” said Lahoti.
He pointed to recent reforms, including amendments to the Cable and TV Broadcasting Framework and a planned authorization-based regime under the Telecommunication Act, 2023, designed to simplify compliance and improve ease of doing business.
A major focus was TRAI’s push for digital radio broadcasting in key Indian cities, aimed at modernizing the FM ecosystem and rejuvenating India’s audio landscape.
Lahoti concluded by pledging continued collaboration with industry stakeholders to advance the Prime Minister’s “Orange Economy” vision, powered by content, creativity, and culture.
