Finally, Centre has moved to take action against the MSOs and cable operators in Telangana for banning two news channels- ABN and TV 9 for last five weeks without giving any reason. Information and Broadcasting minister Prakash Jawadekar has warned them few weeks ago, but there was no response until now. So, all of they were served show-cause notices by I&B and TRAI yesterday asking them to come-up with explanation within three days on banning the two news channels otherwise necessary action will be taken. The letters were signed by KS Rezimos, Director I&B ministry and GS Keshwani, Deputy Advisor of TRAI. The content of both letters is more or less is same.

“It came to our notice that MSOs and cable operators in Telangana state violating the TRAI and I&B regulations have one-sidedly stopped telecasting of two news channels- ABN and TV 9 for the last five weeks. According to TRAI 2012 regulations MSOs and Cable Operators should give notices 15 days in advance to customers before stopping the telecasting of any channel, but this guideline was not followed. According to TRAI 2009 regulations, MSOs and Cable Operators should intimate their customers 3 weeks in advance before stopping any channel telecasting and also explain the reasons for their decision. All those registered as Cable Operators and MSOs should strictly follow these guidelines otherwise punishable under appropriate sections. So, you are asked to submit your explanation along with the maintenance registers within three days of receiving these notices, failing to respond will lead to severe action.”