TRAI releases The Standards of Quality of Service (Duration of Advertisements in Television Channels) (Repealing) Regulations, 2026
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) issued regulations in 2026 to repeal the 2012 regulations on the duration of advertisements in television channels. This action follows the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting's omission of the twelve-minute advertisement duration cap from the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994. The repeal aims to maintain consistency with central government rules, promote fair competition, and ensure ease of doing business.
Why It Matters
This is relevant for competitive exam candidates studying regulatory bodies in India, specifically TRAI's role and recent policy changes regarding the television broadcasting sector.
In Simple Words
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released the Repealing Regulations, 2026, to officially cancel its earlier 2012 regulations on TV advertisement durations. These older rules had set a twelve-minute limit for ads in a clock hour.
This decision was made because the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting removed the twelve-minute advertisement cap from the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994. TRAI repealed its regulations to match the government's new rules, support fair competition, and improve ease of doing business in television broadcasting.
Key Points
- TRAI issued The Standards of Quality of Service (Duration of Advertisements in Television Channels) (Repealing) Regulations, 2026 on 10.09.2026.
- The repealing regulations cancel the 2012 regulations and all orders issued under them.
- The 2012 regulations prescribed a twelve-minute advertisement ceiling in a clock hour.
- The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting omitted sub-rule (11) of rule 7 of the Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994 on 21st August 2026.
- The advertisement duration cap for television channels was removed to enable fair competition and ease of doing business.
Exam Angle
A. 10.09.2026
Source: Press Information Bureau