TRAI Hosts Workshop to Enhance Broadcasting Audit Compliance
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) took a significant step towards enhancing regulatory compliance in the television broadcasting sector by organizing a workshop aimed at training empanelled audit firms for Digital Addressable Systems (DAS) audits. Held at TRAI Headquarters in New Delhi, the workshop brought together 81 participants in person and another 52 online, featuring auditors and representatives from the broadcasting industry, including broadcasters and Distribution Platform Operators (DPOs).
Strengthening Audit Framework
The day-long event served as a collaborative platform for sharing valuable insights and experiences related to the audit processes. This initiative comes at a pivotal time, as amendments to the Interconnection Regulation and audit Manual are set to take effect on April 1, 2026, addressing various concerns related to the audit framework.
Key Features of the Amended Regulation
The amended regulations introduce clearly defined timelines for audits. Distributors are now required to conduct audits and submit reports to broadcasters by September 30 each year. This marks a shift from the previous calendar year basis to an audit period aligned with the financial year.
Additionally, broadcasters will have the opportunity to appoint their representatives during the audit process to promote transparency and ensure credibility. Should broadcasters identify any discrepancies in the audit reports, they are entitled to seek clarifications from the auditor, with auditors expected to respond in a timely manner. If issues remain unresolved, broadcasters have the option to arrange a separate audit at their own expense, pending approval from the Authority.
Moreover, if broadcasters do not receive their audit reports by the September 30 deadline, they can initiate the audit themselves. Notably, to facilitate ease of business, the requirement for annual audits at the distributor’s cost will now be optional for DPOs with fewer than 30,000 subscribers, while broadcasters still retain the right to audit these smaller DPOs at their own expense.
Quotes and Insights from TRAI Chairman
Shri Anil Kumar Lahoti, Chairman of TRAI, emphasized the Authority’s commitment to creating a balanced environment for all stakeholders in the broadcasting ecosystem. “TRAI’s primary objective is to foster a fair and equitable environment for all stakeholders,” he stated, noting that the regulatory decisions aim to balance the interests of various service providers while prioritizing consumer welfare.
He further highlighted that audits by TRAI-empanelled auditors are critical for ensuring that the systems used by DPOs meet the required technical standards. The annual audit process verifies the integrity of both technical and commercial reports, including subscriber data and compliance with regulatory standards such as Conditional Access Systems and Subscriber Management Systems. These audits are pivotal in building a trustworthy broadcasting landscape.
The workshop was held in response to industry requests for improved auditor training and higher quality audit outcomes that align with both technical and commercial needs. Sessions included expert presentations from BECIL and other industry stakeholders, focusing on refining the audit process.
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