DIGITAL FREQUENCY, RISK, AND REGULATORY EVOLUTION IN INDIAN E-BUSINESS MEDIA

Abstract

The study delves into the evolving interface amid e-business and broadcasting in India and risk with a view on the regulatory impact of Prasar Bharati Law, Conditional Access System (CAS), and larger PEDA reforms. The study employs mixed-methods framework in measuring policy files, frequency record, risk index, and indicators of audience participation during 1995-2024. Analysis of the data was performed by use of statistical tools such as frequency distribution, descriptive statistics, cross-tabulation with Chi-square analysis and thematic coding. These findings indicate the growing trend in speeding up the policing action, which will be reflected in the increased size of digital frequency capacity, that currently is 8 MHz (in 1995) but will reach 56 MHz (in 2024). In the CAS-designed territories, the levels of piracy and content theft were significantly lower and statistical analyses of Chi-squares showed significances (p<0.01). Following the introduction of PEDA, there were 38 percent daily viewership improvement and 23 percent increment in revenues collected by subscriptions. All these results indicate that rule-based, systematic digital policy allows increasing the level of trust on platforms, reducing risks, and involving more individuals. The study hence has provided compelling contributions on regulatory design and the performance and integrity of the digital media ecosystems.