Trai directs distributors to place same genre TV channels together

Acting on complaints, sector regulator Trai has directed distributors of TV channels to make sure that channels belonging to the same genre are placed together and one channel appears only at one place as prescribed under its rules, failing which it will take action against the erring distributor.

Trai’s directive is important from a subscriber viewpoint as not placing same genre channels together results in consumer difficulty in locating channels. On the other hand, appearance of channels in more than one place can influence its visibility and ratings.

The latest directive issued to distributors of TV channels — which includes the likes of DTH operators and multi-system operators — came in response to specific complaints recieved by Trai alleging transmission of TV channels on dual ‘Logical Channel Number’, or placement of TV channels by distributors out of the genre or category declared by the broadcaster.