The Lok Sabha on Tuesday unanimously passed a Bill to further amend the Cable Television Networks Regulation Act, 1995. It replaces a Presidential Ordinance of 25th October, 2011.
Replying to the two-hour long discussion, the Information and Broadcasting Minister, Mrs. Ambika Soni said the legislation will bring transparency in cable TV operations.

Subscribers of cable TV operations will have a wide range of choice to select their favourite channels. There will be a check on objectionable contents.

Doordarshan will be able to provide more free-on-air channels in the DTH mode to audiences across the country.

Cable TV operators violating the provisions of the Bill will be dealt with. Mrs. Soni said no stakeholder will have to face any disadvantage. In fact, it will be a win-win situation for all.

The legislation will reduce dependence on the television rating points, TRP.

By 2014, the entire cable network will be digitized. Meanwhile, adequate supervision will be in place to monitor the contents being broadcast by the cable networks. No illegal and unscrupulous activities will be tolerated, the Minister said.