New Delhi: Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. L. Murugan, inaugurated a half-day symposium on ‘Emerging Trends and Technologies in the Broadcasting Sector,’ organized by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on the sidelines of the India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2024. The event highlighted the rapid technological advancements reshaping the broadcasting industry and featured prominent speakers, including TRAI Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti, Secretary of the Ministry of I&B Sanjay Jaju, and Secretary of TRAI Atul Kumar Chaudhary.
In his inaugural address, Dr. L. Murugan underscored the transformative impact of technology on India’s broadcasting sector, noting the increasing focus on content-driven media. He emphasized that improving access to broadcasting services for vulnerable populations is essential for ensuring their inclusion in social, economic, and political arenas.
Dr. Murugan announced the WAVESummit, scheduled from February 5-9, 2025, which will provide content creators the opportunity to showcase their talent through 27 challenges. The summit aims to position India as a global content hub and drive employment generation in the media and entertainment industry. The Minister also stressed the importance of the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics (AVGC) sector, calling for a streamlined single-window system to facilitate content production and enhance ease of doing business.
In addition, Dr. Murugan highlighted the recent approval by the Union Cabinet to auction FM radio channels in 234 new cities, a move aimed at promoting local content and generating employment opportunities. He reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to leveraging technological advancements to strengthen the broadcasting sector, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Sanjay Jaju, Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, delivered a special address, emphasizing the role of digital radio as an affordable and spectrum-efficient tool for mass communication. He also spoke about the benefits of Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) broadcasting, which allows content to be delivered directly to mobile phones without the need for an internet connection. Trials for D2M are being conducted by Prasar Bharati in collaboration with IIT Kanpur and Saankhya Labs.
Jaju further discussed the potential of 5G broadcasting, which when combined with immersive technologies like Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR), can offer more engaging and interactive experiences for viewers.
In his opening remarks, TRAI Secretary Atul Kumar Chaudhary outlined the need for regulatory adjustments in response to the evolving broadcasting landscape. He stressed the importance of facilitating discussions around necessary policy changes to support the sector’s growth and transformation.
TRAI Chairman Anil Kumar Lahoti, in his keynote address, highlighted the growth potential of the Media & Entertainment (M&E) sector, projected to reach ₹3.08 trillion by 2026, driven by the rapid expansion of new media platforms. He pointed out that immersive technologies and D2M broadcasting are emerging as key drivers of innovation, providing alternative content delivery methods and engaging experiences.
Lahoti also emphasized the potential of digital radio, especially in areas with limited television access, and reiterated TRAI’s commitment to delivering forward-looking regulations that protect consumer interests while promoting a level playing field for service providers.
The symposium featured three technical sessions focusing on:
- Immersive Technologies in Broadcasting
- D2M and 5G Broadcasting: Opportunities and Challenges
- Digital Radio Technology: Deployment Strategies in India
These sessions included insights from industry leaders, technology experts, and government representatives, with more than 100 national and international participants attending the event.