National Broadcasting Policy 2024: TRAI pushes for indigenization of broadcasting technologies and equipment

Majority of the broadcasters and the members of the Indian Broadcasting and Digital Foundation (IBDF) oppose the TRAI's regulation requiring broadcasters to provide free channels on DD Free Dish to private distribution platform operators (DPOs).

TRAI has made several recommendations to promote manufacturing, adoption and deployment of indigenously manufactured broadcasting technologies and equipment, in its paper, ‘Inputs for formulation of National Broadcasting Policy – 2024’.

MIB to meet Netflix, Disney, Amazon, Google, Meta to discuss broadcast service regulations

On November 20, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology met with multiple stakeholders to discuss concerns about the vulgarity of content streamed on OTT platforms.

The MIB meeting is scheduled for June 14. Last year, the draft Broadcasting Services Bill’s recommendations sparked conversations related to content cuts, pricing changes and concerns about the impact on creators and consumers.

Balaji’s consolidated revenue at Rs 625 crore; Digital business turns cash positive

Crew staring Kapoor Khan, Tabu & Kriti Sanon released in March which subsequently released on Netflix in May. ‘Dream Girl-2" and ‘Crew’ earned more than 100 crores worldwide at box office.

Balaji Telefilms has been focused on strategic cost rationalizing across business segments, especially the Group’s digital business (ALT Digital).

CTV AdEx soars as brands increase investment by 30-40 percent in last two years

On November 20, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Communications and Information Technology met with multiple stakeholders to discuss concerns about the vulgarity of content streamed on OTT platforms.

Free streaming of IPL on CTV has been a contributing factor in the growth of AdEx on the platform. According to experts, IPL has onboarded a host of BFSI, FMCG, service provider apps’ and household products’ brands as advertisers on CTV and having tasted the ROI on the platform, most of these categories are expected to linger and spend more.

TRAI to conduct open house on recommendations on regulatory mechanism for OTT apps

Majority of the broadcasters and the members of the Indian Broadcasting and Digital Foundation (IBDF) oppose the TRAI's regulation requiring broadcasters to provide free channels on DD Free Dish to private distribution platform operators (DPOs).

Last year, TRAI had released a consultation paper on the regulatory mechanism for OTT communication services and the selective banning of OTT services.

Published
Categorized as OTT Tagged

ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024: Disney Star to include an Indian sign language and audio descriptive feed

This is the first time that the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup will be broadcast with sign language and descriptive commentary making cricket more immersive for its deaf, hard-of-hearing and visually impaired users, stated the company. (Image source: YouTube)

The audio descriptive feed will be complemented by voice-over technology for specific pages, which can render text and images into a speech output, enabling visually impaired users to easily navigate through the Disney+ Hotstar app.

Published
Categorized as OTT Tagged

Netflix continues its bet on live events, signs deal to air NFL

Netflix's foray into carrying live sports began last year, but they were exhibition events in golf and tennis. (Image source: Unsplash and Pixelz.cc)

As part of the three-year deal, Netflix will broadcast the National Football League’s two Christmas games this year and then will air at least one game in 2025 and 2026.

Airtel Xstream Play strengthens regional content library, partners with Sun NXT

No doubt, the growth of regional OTT platforms highlights the increasing demand for localised content, posing a potential challenge to global giants like JioCinema, Netflix, Disney+Hotstar, and Amazon Prime Video. (Image source: Unsplash)

Some of the other apps on Airtel Xstream Play include Sony LIV, Lionsgate Play, Chaupal, Hoichoi, FanCode, ManoramaMax, ShemarooMe, Alt Balaji, Ultra, ErosNow, EPICon, Docubay, and Playflix amongst many others.

Published
Categorized as OTT Tagged