India’s TV sector reaches record numbers
March 14, 2013
By Chris Forrester
Indian government officials say they have no intention of limiting the growth of broadcasting in its vibrant media scene. India’s Broadcasting & Information Ministry (I&B) says the country now has 833 private TV channels, up some 300 since 2010, and additional to the public broadcasting channels.
I&B Minister Manish Tewari informed parliament that the country’s TRAI regulator agreed that there should be no cap on the number of channels being uplinked from within the country or downlinked by satellite. He also explained that his ministry, working with India’s space and satellite sector, is to boost bandwidth available to broadcasters. He said 14 upcoming space missions (out of a planned 58) are specifically designed to increase transmission capacity.
In March 2010 there were 503 TV channels licensed.