Dr. L. Murugan's ₹2,500 Cr Broadcast Vision for India: What It Means for the Industry in 2026
Dr. L. Murugan's ₹2,500 Cr Broadcast Vision for India: What It Means for the Industry in 2026
India's media and entertainment sector is growing fast. In 2025 alone, it grew 9% year-on-year, reaching INR 2.78 trillion & by 2028, the sector is forecast to hit INR 3.3 trillion, powered by digital media, live events, films, and animation/VFX.
But what might not be on your radar is the massive infrastructure upgrade happening behind the scenes, one that's going to shape how you work for the next five years.
At the center of this transformation is Dr. L. Murugan, Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting, whose recent statements in Parliament and public addresses have outlined a clear roadmap for India's broadcast future.
Let us break down what's happening, why it matters to you, and where you can actually see these technologies in action.
What Dr. L. Murugan Has Said About India's Broadcast Future
Here are the key points from Dr. Murugan’s recent press statements and parliamentary replies:
1. On Broadcast Infrastructure:
"Rs. 2,500 crore fund was approved last year for the Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development scheme for the expansion and development of broadcasting infrastructure of AIR & DD across the country"
The government has spent ₹1,083.64 crore under the BIND scheme (Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development) over the past five years, with a total outlay of ₹2,539.61 crore for 2021–26. Sources- https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2095479®=3&lang=1
2. On Regional Content:
An additional ₹450 crore has been earmarked specifically for rural and regional broadcasting, a move that supports content creation in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, and other languages.
"The BIND scheme not only upgrades physical infrastructure but also fosters inclusive content creation, especially in rural and culturally diverse regions"
3. On Regional Content:
Responding to questions on digital piracy in Rajya Sabha, Dr. Murugan confirmed that "guidelines are already in place to monitor OTT contents" and that the government has taken action against 18 OTT platforms so far.
4. On Live Events:
At WAVES 2025, Dr. Murugan launched "India's Live Events Economy: A Strategic Growth Imperative", a White Paper positioning India to become a top-five global live entertainment destination by 2030. Sources- https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2126506®=48&lang=2
What Does This Mean for the Indian Broadcast Industry?
These statements and investments have significant implications for production houses, studios, broadcasters, and post-production teams across India:
- ₹2,539 crore BIND scheme: Modernised equipment you'll need to work with, including IP-based systems and cloud collaboration tools
- 68 new transmitters sanctioned: Better broadcast coverage across 25+ states, with AIR coverage expanding from 70% to 81% nationwide. Source-https://newsonair.gov.in/government-says-68-transmitters-have-been-sanctioned-under-bind-scheme/
- ₹450 crore for regional content: More opportunities for Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam producers as the government invests in rural and culturally diverse content creation
- Digital segment exceeds ₹1 trillion: Streaming has overtaken television as the largest segment in India's media and entertainment sector, making it the primary market for content creators
- Virtual production growing at 10.80% CAGR: The Indian virtual production market, valued at USD 118.1 million in 2025, is projected to reach USD 305.4 million by 2034, signaling a major shift in production workflows. Sources- https://www.imarcgroup.com/india-virtual-production-market
The infrastructure is getting upgraded. The regulations are clearing up. The market is expanding.
The question is: are your workflows ready?
Catch Dr. L. Murugan at Broadcast Media Cinema Expo 2026
Here's where it gets interesting for professionals who want to understand this vision firsthand.
Dr. L. Murugan will be present at Broadcast Media Cinema Expo (BMCE) 2026 as a special guest.
This is a rare opportunity to hear his take on the current broadcast landscape in India & get clarity on what's next for the industry.
Dr. L. Murugan is one of the most influential voices shaping India's broadcast and media policy today. As the Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting, his insights on infrastructure development, OTT regulation, and regional content strategy carry significant weight for the industry.
If you work in broadcast, production, post-production, or digital content creation, hearing directly from him on the future of India's media infrastructure is crucial for understanding where the industry is heading.
About Broadcast Media Cinema Expo 2026
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Broadcast Media Cinema Expo (BMCE) 2026 is South India's leading trade show for the broadcast, media, and cinema technology sectors.
Happening July 17–19 at Chennai Trade Centre, Chennai, the expo brings together:
- 500+ leading brands across 20+ segments
- Virtual production systems, LED walls, and real-time rendering
- OTT & streaming solutions
- AI-assisted editing and automation tools
- Cloud collaboration and remote editing workflows
- Production and post-production equipment
- Cinematographers, VFX studios, production houses, broadcasters
The expo serves as a one-stop platform for professionals to connect with leading manufacturers, distributors, and innovators across television, film, radio, and digital production
The Bottom Line
The Indian broadcast industry is growing. The infrastructure is getting upgraded. And the influential people driving this vision will be at BMCE 2026.
If you're in the media and entertainment industry, this is where you need to be.
July 17–19, 2026
Hall 1, Chennai Trade Centre, Chennai