The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has released the draft Telecommunications (Television, Radio and Associated Services) Rules, 2026, for public consultation. Comments may be submitted until July 27. The draft seeks to bring television channels, Direct-to-Home (DTH) operators, Headend-in-the-Sky (HITS) platforms, private Frequency Modulation (FM) radio stations, community radio stations, teleports, television news agencies and Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) services under a single authorisation framework created under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
A single framework for broadcasting services: The draft creates six categories of authorisation:
- Television channel,
- Television channel distribution service (covering DTH and HITS),
- Teleport,
- News agency for television,
- Private radio service,
- Community radio service.
Authorisations would replace the patchwork of licences, permissions and registrations currently issued under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 and related broadcasting guidelines. The rules also provide a migration pathway for existing licensees operating under earlier regulatory frameworks. Entities operating television channels, DTH platforms, HITS platforms, and community radio stations can apply to migrate to the new authorisation regime while their existing permissions remain valid.
IPTV receives formal recognition under the new framework: One of the more significant changes is its incorporation into the authorisation framework.
The draft defines IPTV as a television channel distribution service using Internet Protocol over a closed network. Rather than requiring a separate authorisation process, the rules permit an entity to provide IPTV after submitting a declaration that it already holds either:
- An internet services authorisation under telecom rules; or
- A registration as a multi-system operator under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act.
The draft also places IPTV providers under the same programme code and advertising code obligations that apply to other television distribution services. In addition, IPTV providers must retain recordings of programmes and advertisements for 90 days and furnish them to the government upon request.
Television channels become technology-neutral: the rules shift away from a framework primarily focused on satellite television. A television channel may now operate through either:
- Satellite transmission medium; or
- Terrestrial transmission medium.
The draft broadly defines terrestrial transmission to include wireline and wireless infrastructure, the internet, and other non-satellite broadcasting systems. Channels may also be used to switch between satellite and terrestrial transmission modes, subject to government approval and applicable clearances.
Mandatory public-service programming obligations: The draft goes beyond licensing and places explicit public-service obligations on broadcasters. For television, the rules require at least 30 minutes a day between 6 AM and 11 PM on “themes of national importance and social relevance”, including education, agriculture, health, science and technology, women’s welfare, weaker sections, environmental and cultural heritage protection, and national integration. The government may exempt some channels. The draft also requires channels to report their availability on the landing page to the government and rating agencies.
- Private radio service must operate as a free-to-air service, carry at least one hour a day of programmes of national importance and social relevance, and ensure that at least 20% of daily broadcasts are local content.
- Community radio service must run for two hours a day, remain free-to-air, avoid sponsored programmes except those in the public interest, and include the words “community radio” in the channel identity.
- Community radio stations must also set up an Advisory and Content Committee with local community members, and 50% of the committee must be women.
Operational requirements for broadcasters: The draft introduces several operational obligations. Television channels must commence operations within one year of spectrum assignment and remain continuously operational during the validity of their authorisation.
If a television channel remains non-operational for more than 60 consecutive days, it must inform the government and provide reasons. If it remains non-operational for more than 90 consecutive days, its authorisation will be deemed withdrawn unless the interruption resulted from a government order.
Enforcement and monitoring: The draft gives the Centre broad monitoring powers. It can inspect premises, request recordings, and require broadcasters to retain programme and advertising recordings for 90 days. It can also address ownership changes, which must be reported within 30 days and may require prior permission for a change in control or management. Breaches of the rules fall under the adjudication framework under the Telecommunications Act, with an Adjudicating Officer and a Designated Appeals Committee.
Also read:
