TRAI seeks views on need to monitor cross-media ownership

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has sought suggestions from stakeholders on the need to monitor cross media ownership and control, mechanism and related issues in the wake of drastic changes in the sector with the advent of digital technology, according to a report in Moneycontrol.

The broadcast regulator released a consultation paper on ‘issues relating to media ownership’ after the government asked it to reconsider its recommendations made in 2014 in light of the changes in the media and entertainment industry with the advent of new digital technologies such as OTT platforms, the report stated on Tuesday.

Drawing heavily from the consultation paper on cross-media ownership it released in 2013, TRAI had made a strong case for restricting dominance of big media groups across TV and print mediums in 2014. Newslaundry had reported how the recommendation paper raised questions like: how does one measure plurality of opinions in the marketplace? Should this be in terms of the number of voices or in terms of influence that media entities enjoy in the marketplace of opinions and viewpoints? And so on.

TRAI has again sought suggestions. “Considering (the) overall scenario, do you think there is a need for monitoring cross media ownership and Control?… Should there be a common mechanism to monitor ownership of print, television, radio, or other internet-based news media?”

The TRAI has sought written comments by May 10 and counter-comments by May 24, according to Moneycontrol.

It must be pointed out that TRAI is merely a regulatory body and it can, at best, make suggestions.