The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has released the draft Telecommunications (Television, Radio and Associated Services) Rules, 2026 for public consultation. The rules, which aim to bring television, radio and associated broadcasting services under a single regulatory umbrella, mark the first comprehensive consolidation of broadcasting regulations under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
Industry stakeholders can submit comments until July 27.
The proposed rules aim to replace the fragmented licensing regime that has governed television, radio, DTH, Headend-in-the-Sky (HITS), community radio and IPTV services through separate policy frameworks over the past two decades. According to officials, the objective is to harmonise authorisations, reduce compliance burdens and improve ease of doing business.
Key highlights of the draft rules
A key feature of the draft is the formal integration of IPTV into the telecom regulatory framework. Entities holding internet service authorisation or registered multi-system operators (MSOs) may offer IPTV services after filing a declaration with the government.
The draft also introduces a ‘national service area’ covering the entire territory of India for television channels, DTH platforms, HITS operators, teleports and television news agencies. Private FM and community radio stations will continue to operate within specified geographical areas.
Additionally, the draft include several operational obligations for television broadcasters. TV channels must begin operations within one year of spectrum assignment and remain continuously operational. Channels off-air for more than 90 consecutive days may face deemed withdrawal of authorisation.
In public interest, broadcasters will also be required to air at least 30 minutes of programming every day on themes such as education, agriculture, health, science and technology, women’s welfare, environmental protection and national integration, while continuing to comply with existing Programme and Advertising Codes.
For FM radio, broadcasters must air at least one hour of content every day on subjects of national importance and social relevance. The draft expands community radio eligibility to include self-help groups, farmer producer organisations and Krishi Vigyan Kendras, while retaining the requirement of at least three years of community development work. Commercial sponsored programming remains prohibited except for approved public-interest content.
The draft retains restrictions on cross-media ownership. Television broadcasters and cable operators cannot collectively hold more than 20 per cent equity in DTH operators, while DTH operators cannot hold more than 20 per cent equity in television channels or cable distribution entities. Restrictions have also been introduced for HITS operators.
What’s next?
The government plans to implement the framework through digital portals, enabling application processing, renewals, reporting, security clearances and compliance filings. Broadcasters must also report ownership, foreign investment, and management and operational details.
The ministry said the rules are designed to create a unified and simplified broadcasting rulebook aligned with the objectives of the Telecommunications Act, 2023. The consultation is likely to attract detailed feedback from all stakeholders.
Once finalised, these rules will become the principal regulatory framework governing television, radio and associated broadcasting services, completing the transition from the Telegraph Act regime to the new telecommunications law framework.
