New Delhi [India], July 5: India is on the brink of a broadcasting and digital transformation unlike any seen before. The convergence of artificial intelligence (AI), 5G, Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) technology, and the booming AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics) sector is giving rise to a new era of storytelling, content creation, and nationwide connectivity. BES EXPO 2025, held from July 3–5 at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, stood as the epicenter of this shift — hosting over 5,000+ delegates, 300+ exhibitors, and 114,000+ visitors, with participation from global institutions, startups, policy makers, and tech leaders.
BES EXPO 2025: A Hub of Innovation, Collaboration & Policy Dialogue
The 29th edition of BES EXPO, organized by the Broadcast Engineering Society (India) and backed by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, spotlighted the theme:
“Transforming the Media Landscape through AI: Create, Collaborate, Monetize.”
From virtual production stages to indigenous digital radio systems, the event featured innovations across 5G broadcast, AI newsroom tools, OTT infrastructure, and direct satellite integration for mobility and safety.
Key Highlights:
Live Tech Demos: AI-powered editing suites, digital twins, virtual studios, IPTV & OTT systems
Special “Make in India” Focus: Showcasing indigenous broadcast manufacturing potential
AI in Newsrooms: Smart monetization, inclusive content distribution, and ethical challenges
D2M Technology: Real-time alerts, infotainment for EVs, and disaster communication
Shri Navneet Sehgal, Chairman, Prasar Bharati: “This expo is where Indian innovation meets global vision. It’s time to build our own broadcast tools, platforms, and policies.”
Shri Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of I&B: “AI, 5G, and cross-sector collaboration will define the future of broadcasting. BES EXPO brings the right ecosystem together.”
Mark A Aitken, Keynote Speaker, ONE Media (USA): “This is not just India’s moment — it’s India’s movement in reshaping global broadcast standards.”
AVGC Sector Becomes Economic Powerhouse
Running parallel to the EXPO buzz, India’s AVGC industry — valued at ₹19 lakh crore — took center stage in policy discussions, with stakeholders calling it a “bigger economic force than film or music.”
Anand Banerjee (Lakshya India): “We’re moving from green screens to virtual sets, from storytelling to immersive real-time experiences.”
P. Jayakumar: “India’s AVGC ambition began in Cannes 2002. Today, it’s driving economic and cultural exports.”
Policy support through subsidies, startup labs, and public messaging (like Mann Ki Baat) are cementing AVGC’s place in the digital economy.
Key developments:
- 5 AVGC centres, 25+ labs, 100+ startup supports in the pipeline
- Rise of Indian IPs: From Hanuman and Tenali Rama to Anime expos
- Real-time storytelling and digital twins gaining momentum
OTT, IP, and Regulation: Bridging Ecosystems
India’s content landscape is undergoing rapid reconfiguration:
OTT subscriptions surged while traditional cable stagnates
Gamification & multiscreen content now dominate consumer behavior
Original Indian IPs are in demand globally
Regulatory bottlenecks are under review as TRAI considers new content and carriage reforms
Airtel’s Shweta: “90% of consumers still stuck with rigid DPO bouquets. We need fair content economics and pricing freedom.”
From Earth to Orbit: Satellites Powering Broadcast
BES EXPO 2025 also spotlighted LEO (Low Earth Orbit) satellite internet and its vital role in broadcasting.
Robert Ravi (CMD, BSNL) & partners from Hughes, Jio, Tejas Networks showcased:
Latency drops from 600ms to 30ms for real-time broadcasting
D2M in vehicles, trains, aircraft for infotainment & safety
Live 360° streaming, emergency alerts, and disaster education
Despite challenges in cost and device compatibility, the promise of satellite-integrated broadcasting is transformative.
Smart Mobility & Broadcast Merge: India’s EV Vision
Speakers like Sudhendu Jyoti Sinha, K.K. Kapila, and Atul Vivek tied clean mobility and real-time media integration into India’s 2030 goals:
Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) and Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) communication via broadcast
Infotainment upgrades in EVs with embedded D2M chips
Shuny campaign aims for 93 crore EV deliveries, boosting connected mobility and communication
Final Word: A Digital Media Trifecta
India’s broadcast, AVGC, and mobility sectors are no longer operating in silos. BES EXPO 2025 made clear that these ecosystems are interlinked and mutually reinforcing.
Sunil, President, BES (India):
“We’re not just showcasing machines or software. We’re laying the foundation for India’s leadership in media innovation.”
Aftab Ahmad, Hon. Secretary, BES (India):
“Startups, students, and storytellers — this platform belongs to all. The next media revolution starts here.”
With the right regulations, strategic investments, and global partnerships, India is poised to lead not just in content, but in the technologies and frameworks that deliver it to the world.
As curtains fall on BES EXPO 2025, the future of Indian broadcasting stands brighter, smarter, and more self-reliant than ever.
By Amit Deshmukh
