Broadcasters’ plea against cut in TV ad time admitted

Broadcast tribunal TDSAT has admitted appeals filed by broadcasters , challenging a notification by sectoral regulator Trai that reduced the advertisement time on TV channels. In their petition, the broadcasters have contended that Trai has no power to limit advertisement times. According to the broadcasters, only the Centre can issue such directions under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995.They further claimed that the present Trai Act, 1997, authorises the regulator to make recommendations only.

“The authority has exceeded the mandate given to it by the Central government and instead of making recommendations to the government, it proceeded with formulation of the regulation,” submitted one of the broadcasters.

Besides, Trai has not only sought to regulate the parameters within which the advertisements will be aired by the broadcasters, but also determined the format, nature and duration of the advertisements.

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/256543/broadcasters-plea-against-cut-tv.html