In a recent statement that could influence the ongoing debate over media regulation, JioStar Vice Chairman Ramesh Shah expressed strong opposition to implementing uniform regulatory standards for television and digital platforms. As reported in the article “JioStar Vice Chairman Opposes Uniform Regulation for TV and Digital Platforms” published by startupnews.fyi, Shah contended that the two mediums differ fundamentally and should not be subjected to the same oversight.
Shah’s remarks come amid heightened discussions within industry and government circles about the future of digital content governance. With the rapid proliferation of streaming services, online video platforms, and user-generated content, policymakers have considered extending existing broadcast standards to digital media. However, Shah cautioned that such regulation could stifle innovation and disregard the technological and operational differences between legacy broadcasters and online platforms.
“The context, consumption pattern, and technological infrastructure of digital media are drastically different from traditional television,” Shah was quoted as saying during a media conference earlier this week. “We must be careful not to force-fit outdated frameworks onto a dynamic and evolving ecosystem.”
While some advocates argue that aligning regulatory regimes ensures accountability and protects consumers from misinformation, harmful content, or industry malpractice, critics within the digital sector fear that overregulation could threaten content creators’ autonomy and slow the sector’s growth. Shah’s comments reflect a broader sentiment in India’s tech and startup communities, where concerns about regulatory overreach have become more pronounced in recent years.
The issue also taps into international debates, as countries around the world examine the changing media landscape and attempt to craft policies that balance free expression with public interest. In India, the government’s growing scrutiny of digital media, including guidelines introduced over the past three years to govern online streaming platforms and social media companies, has prompted both support and dissent across the media spectrum.
JioStar, a major player in India’s media and telecommunications space, holds considerable influence, and the Vice Chairman’s public stance is likely to resonate across industry forums. Although Shah acknowledged the need for some form of oversight, he emphasized the importance of tailored, nuanced regulations that cater to the strengths and challenges of digital platforms rather than imposing a “one-size-fits-all” approach.
As the debate continues, stakeholders across the broadcast, digital, and policy-making sectors are expected to weigh in ahead of any formal legislative moves. Shah’s comments serve as a reminder of the complex, often contentious intersection of technology, media, and regulation in today’s rapidly shifting information economy.
