Actor-producer and Small Screen Television Producersâ Association of South India (STEPS) president Khushbu Sundar has highlighted the financial challenges faced by television producers and sought government support to strengthen the industry.
Speaking to the media after the associationâs annual general meeting, Khushbu said rising production costs and stagnant payments from television channels had placed producers under financial pressure. While workersâ wages were revised periodically, producers continued to face increasing expenses without corresponding increases in remuneration from channels.
She said STEPS had sought financial assistance and dedicated premises from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay and had received positive assurances. The association has also received approval for a streamlined online system to obtain filming permissions within three days.
Khushbu announced plans to organise a fundraising event in Malaysia in April 2027, with actor Silambarasan TR extending support as a special guest. She expressed hope that the government would introduce further concessions and welfare measures to support television producers.
Highlighting televisionâs role in nurturing talent, she cited Vijay Sethupathi and Sivakarthikeyan as examples of artistes who moved into cinema after establishing themselves through other platforms. She said television artistes should be free to explore opportunities across the entertainment industry.
Khushbu also condemned the misuse of artificial intelligence to create fabricated videos targeting individuals, particularly women, and called for responsible use of technology. The AGM was attended by FEFSI president R.K. Selvamani, STEPS secretary Kutty Padmini, treasurer D.R. Baleshwar, Small Screen Directors Union president Mangai Harirajan and representatives of various industry associations. The meeting discussed resolutions and initiatives to improve producersâ working conditions and strengthen the associationâs representation.