Consolidation in the M&E sector will continue in FY2020: MK Anand

“Consolidation in the M&E sector will continue in FY2020,” predicts MK Anand, MD & CEO, Times Network. He believes that this will have a positive impact on cost efficiencies and overall competitiveness of the broadcast industry. 

Anand further says that, “After months of tepid and negative performance across the board, some ad categories are expected to see resurgence in FY2020, which will be a welcome respite to broadcasters.” 

TRAI’s new tariff order (NTO) has impacted the broadcast industry in major ways. Anand points out, “NTO, implemented in February 2019, impacted reach and ad sales and broadcasters have been managing this change to get to a new equilibrium.” 

Earlier in January this year, TRAI effected amendments to the regulatory framework (NTO 2.0) in a move to address the issue of freedom of choice of the consumer. 

NTO 2.0 ensures that prices of a-la-carte channels are not illusory, said the regulator, adding that the amendments prescribe a linkage between a-la-carte price and bouquet price while allowing broadcasters to have full flexibility to select the MRP for their channels. 

Anand expresses the hope that the proposed tweaks to the regulation will further help stability.