The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai), which is also a broadcast regulator, has sought the power to regulate content from the government. Currently, Trai?s regulatory reach is restricted to carriage related issues in the sector.
The regulator has sought the power to regulate content in its recommendations to the information and broadcasting ministry on the television rating point (TRP) business.
?In view of the significant influence exercised by content on the society, the Authority strongly recommends that regulation of content should also be transferred to Trai,? the recommendation says.
As per Trai, ?With increased convergence, there has been a blurring of boundaries between carriage and content. Since promoting competition and sustaining it in telecom services, including broadcasting, is within the domain of the Trai Act, there is a natural link between promoting competition and regulating content. There is a need to look into this aspect from functional efficiency whether a clear mandate could be given for content regulation by redefining their powers. This is in line with the global practice prevalent in other countries.?
The Broadcasting Services Regulation Bill, 2006, proposes an independent Broadcast Regulatory Authority of India (Brai) to regulate specific aspects of carriage and content.
?Wherever a regulator plays a larger role in the audience measurement system, it has the mandate of content regulation. The case in point is Italy,? said a Trai source.