MIB issues Guidelines for Platform Services offered by Multi System Operators (MSOs); mandates registration of all MSOs on the BroadcastSeva portal by 30th November, 2023

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has issued the “Guidelines for Platform Services offered by Multi System Operators” (“Guidelines”) mandating registration of all the Multi-System Operators (“MSOs”) providing Platform Services channel(s) and desirous of providing PS channel(s) on the portal (www.ncw.broadcastseva.gov.in) and compliance with the Guidelines within 30th November, 2023.

Key Highlights:

1. The Guidelines define the term ‘Platform Services’ as programs transmitted by Distribution Platform Operators (MSOs) exclusively to their own subscribers and does not include Doordarshan channels, registered TV channels and foreign TV channels that are not registered in India. Further, constituents of permissible local news and current affairs are also listed out;
2. The Guidelines mandate registration of all MSOs with MIB on the BroadcastSeva portal and specifies other information with regard to the registration such as the registration fee, the validity, etc.;
3. All MSOs are required to be security cleared for offering PS channels. If at any time before the MIB obtains the security clearance, it is determined that the programming service offered on the PS which has been registered on the online system is inimical lo India’s notional security or to the public interest, MIB might require the MSO to withdraw from distribution of the PS Channel or the programming service and/ or cancel the registration;
4. The Guidelines require MSOs to be incorporated as a company under the Companies Act, 2013 and the corresponding rules. However, to promote ease of business, the Guidelines provide a timeline of three months within which the MSOs not registered as a company can get themselves registered by filing an application with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs;
5. The first violation of the Guidelines will lead to prohibition on transmission of the PS channel for a period of up to 30 days. On the second violation, the prohibition on transmission of the PS

channel will be for a period of up to 90 days and upon the third violation, the registration of the PS will be revoked and the channel concerned will not be transmitted. Consequently, the number of PS channels that the MSO can transmit thereafter will also be appropriately reduced.

Source: Ministry of Information and Broadcasting