📋 Tender Overview
The Union Cabinet has approved the Guidelines for Uplinking and Downlinking of Television Channels in India 2022. The consolidated Guidelines shall ease issue of permissions to the companies LLPs registered in India for Uplinking and Downlinking of TV Channels setting up of Teleports Teleport Hubs use of Digital Satellite News Gathering DSNG Satellite News Gathering SNG Electronic News Gathering ENG systems uplinking by Indian News agencies and temporary uplinking of a live event.New Guidelines ease compliance for Television ChannelsNo prior Permission for Live Telecast of EventsIndian Teleports may uplink Foreign ChannelsObligation to telecast content in NationalPublic Interest The main advantages emanating from the revised guidelines are as follows -Ease of compliance for the permission holderRequirement for seeking permission for live telecast of events has been done away with only prior registration of events to be telecast live would be necessaryNo requirement of prior permission for change of language or conversion of mode of transmission from Standard Definition SD to High Definition HD or vice versa only prior intimation would be required.In case of emergency for a company LLP with only two Directors Partners a Director Partner can be changed subject to security clearance post such appointment to enable business decision makingA companyLLP can use News gathering equipments other than DSNG such as optic fiber Bag back mobile etc. for which no separate permission would be necessary. Ease of Doing BusinessSpecific timelines have been proposed for grant for permissionLimited Liability Partnership LLP entities can also seek permissionLLPs companies would be allowed to uplink foreign channels from Indian teleports which would create employment opportunities and make India a Teleport-hub for other countries.A news agency can get permission for a 5 year period as against one year at presentA channel can be uplinked by using facilities of more than one teleport satellite as against only one teleportsatellite at presentIt has broadened the possibility of allowing transfer of TV ChannelTeleport to a company LLP as permissible under the Companies Act Limited Liability Act. Simplification and RationalizationOne composite set of Guidelines has replaced two separate GuidelinesStructure of the Guidelines has been systematized to avoid duplication and common parameters.The penalty clauses have been rationalized and separate nature of penalties have been proposed for different type of contraventions as against uniform penalty at present.Other HighlightsThe companiesLLPs having permission to uplink and downlink a channel may undertake public service broadcasting except where it may not be feasible for a minimum period of 30 mins in a day on themes of national importance and of social relevance.The TV Channels uplinking in frequency band other than C band are mandatorily required to encrypt their signals.Net worth requirement for CompaniesLLPs holding permissions to be as per the Guidelines at the time of renewals.Provision of Security Deposits to ensure payment of dues.
