Financial Daily from THE HINDU group of publications
Saturday, Jun 18, 2005
Financial Daily from THE HINDU group of publications Saturday, Jun 18, 2005 |
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Industry & Economy
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Radio/TV Govt may take up issue of cross-media holdings soon Our Bureau
New Delhi , June 17 THE Government is planning to examine the issue of cross-media holdings since companies have varied interests in print, television, direct-to-home (DTH) broadcasting, and radio. According to highly placed Government sources, broadcasting and cable companies can hold just 20 per cent stake in DTH service ventures. "The Cabinet will have to take a view on whether or not any cross-media restrictions are to be put in place ... there have been instances related to DTH proposals where companies have violated the guidelines in spirit," they added. Currently, the Information and Broadcasting Ministry has circulated a Cabinet note on the second phase of FM radio privatisation. While only FIIs are allowed to invest up to 20 per cent in the radio business, the Ministry is in favour of allowing FDI within the sectoral cap. "However, the Ministry is not in favour of permitting news and current affairs shows on private FM radio channels," the sources said. The Government is also finalising the downlinking guidelines for channels that are being beamed into India from foreign destinations. Under this, it is being proposed that such channels would have to be registered in the country as well as have a net worth of Rs 1.5 crore. The Ministry is also planning to table the Broadcasting Bill during the monsoon session of Parliament. This Bill envisages the setting up of a broadcast regulator that would also monitor the content aired by various channels. Meanwhile, in the wake of the recent law related to smoking scenes and the controversy surrounding films such as Sins and Jo Bole So Nihaal, the Ministry is planning to hold a workshop with persons belonging to the film and broadcasting industries. "Concerns related to religious issues, indecent representation of women, unscientific treatment of medical issues, treatment of wildlife, and surrogate liquor advertising would be discussed," the sources added.
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