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JioStar’s Kevin Vaz called for a lighter and more balanced regulatory approach to help India’s broadcasting sector grow and innovate.
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M&E growth is being restricted by heavy regulatory burdens that raise costs and slow technological advancement in broadcasting.
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Vaz emphasized collaboration between policymakers and industry leaders to ensure sustainable progress for India’s media and entertainment industry.
JioStar’s Kevin Vaz has emphasized the urgent need for a review of India’s current broadcasting regulations, calling for a “light-touch regulatory regime” to encourage innovation and competitiveness within the media and entertainment (M&E) sector. Speaking at the 25th edition of FICCI FRAMES, one of India’s most respected media and entertainment conferences held on October 7–8, Vaz — who serves as the CEO (Entertainment) at JioStar and also chairs FICCI’s Media & Entertainment Committee — expressed both pride and concern regarding the industry’s evolution. While celebrating the progress the sector has achieved over the years, he also warned that rapid changes in technology and consumer behavior demand urgent policy adjustments.
JioStar’s Kevin Vaz began his speech by acknowledging the tremendous contribution of the media and entertainment industry to India’s economy. Broadcasting alone, he said, contributes nearly 40 percent of the total M&E industry’s revenue, making it one of the most vital segments driving national growth. Over the past decade, India’s M&E sector has expanded rapidly, becoming a key force in digital transformation, cultural exchange, and job creation. However, Vaz noted that this growth story is at risk of stagnation due to excessive and outdated regulations that no longer align with the realities of the modern broadcasting environment. He argued that an overregulated framework prevents traditional broadcasters from competing fairly with digital and streaming platforms, which operate under more flexible rules.
M&E growth in India, according to Vaz, can only continue if innovation is encouraged rather than constrained. He described how traditional television broadcasting — once the cornerstone of Indian entertainment — has been facing increasing challenges. “The regulatory burden on linear broadcasting,” he said, “has created an artificial price barrier that increases costs and limits creativity.” This has made it difficult for broadcasters to invest in new technologies, diversify content, or compete with global streaming platforms that are not bound by the same restrictions. Vaz added that this imbalance has led to a fragmented market where traditional broadcasters bear the weight of compliance while digital players benefit from fewer limitations.
M&E growth also depends heavily on how the government and regulators respond to industry feedback. Vaz urged policymakers to consider a more collaborative approach that includes constant dialogue with media companies, producers, and broadcasters. “What we need today,” he said, “is an ecosystem that fosters innovation, not one that slows it down.” He stressed that the goal should not be deregulation but “smart regulation” — policies that protect consumers and maintain ethical standards without stifling growth or creativity. According to Vaz, light-touch regulation would allow broadcasters to experiment with new content formats, invest in advanced technologies such as AI-based production, and offer personalized experiences to audiences without being weighed down by excessive compliance costs.
JioStar’s Kevin Vaz also spoke about the larger vision for India’s M&E industry, highlighting the country’s immense potential to become a global entertainment hub. He credited FICCI FRAMES for helping drive this transformation over the years by bringing together business leaders, policymakers, and creative professionals under one roof. “Pride in what FRAMES has catalyzed — policy wins, industry growth, a creative economy that employs millions, stories that captivate billions,” he said. “But urgency — because the pace of change is accelerating.” His words reflected the dual reality of India’s entertainment sector — one that celebrates its progress yet acknowledges the challenges ahead.
M&E growth has been fueled by technological shifts such as OTT platforms, digital content creation, and changing audience habits. However, these same shifts have widened the gap between traditional broadcasting and new-age media. Vaz noted that while streaming services continue to enjoy flexibility and rapid expansion, traditional broadcasters remain tightly regulated. He pointed out that many of these rules were created in an era when broadcasting was a monopoly and digital platforms did not exist. “The regulatory framework must evolve with time,” Vaz said, “because what worked 20 years ago may not work today.”
JioStar’s Kevin Vaz further elaborated that heavy regulation has not only affected profitability but also hindered innovation. For instance, broadcasters are often limited in how they can price their channels or package their offerings, leaving them with little room to experiment with subscription models or interactive services. In contrast, OTT platforms are free to set dynamic pricing, run targeted promotions, and use analytics to engage audiences. This discrepancy has created an uneven playing field that hurts broadcasters, advertisers, and consumers alike. Vaz suggested that aligning broadcasting policies with the flexibility given to digital platforms could help bridge this gap and promote healthy competition.
M&E growth in India is not just about numbers; it represents a vital cultural and economic engine. The industry supports millions of jobs, from technicians and writers to marketers and performers. It also contributes to India’s soft power on the global stage, with regional and Bollywood content gaining international audiences. Vaz believes that an enabling regulatory environment would allow Indian stories to reach more people worldwide while ensuring that broadcasters remain profitable and sustainable. He cited examples from other countries where regulators have successfully modernized policies to reflect digital realities, leading to rapid industry expansion.
JioStar’s Kevin Vaz concluded his address with a call to action for policymakers and industry leaders to collaborate more closely. He proposed that forums like FICCI FRAMES should serve as continuous dialogue platforms where new regulatory ideas can be tested, debated, and refined. “The goal,” he said, “is to build a future-ready ecosystem that rewards innovation and creativity.” He reiterated that broadcasting continues to be the backbone of India’s entertainment industry and that with the right regulatory support, it can grow even stronger in the digital age.
M&E growth, as Vaz summarized, depends on striking the right balance between regulation and innovation. The government must ensure consumer protection, fair competition, and transparency — but it must also allow room for creativity, risk-taking, and technological experimentation. With India emerging as one of the world’s largest media markets, the decisions made today will shape the industry’s future for decades to come.
