The newly drafted Telecommunications (Television, Radio and Associated Services) Rules 2026 propose a strict 20% equity cross-ownership restriction between television channels, DTH, and HITS operators. While the Bharat Media Association welcomes this crucial step to prevent media monopolies and ensure diverse ownership, we remain deeply concerned by the accompanying rule mandating a steep ₹20 crore minimum net worth for news broadcasters.
This immense financial barrier threatens to eradicate smaller, independent, and regional news channels. We urge the ministry to revise these financial thresholds so that anti-monopoly measures do not inadvertently crush grassroots broadcasting operations.
