The Hindu Business Line : `Broadcast Bill provisions must apply to DD also'

Relook at codes
The provision of granting exemption to the public broadcaster is liable for misuse and discrimination.
The licence should remain valid for five years instead of the one-year period.

New Delhi , Sept 14

The Indian Media Group (IMG) has called on the Government to ensure that all provisions of the proposed Broadcasting Bill including content code are applied to Prasar Bharti and Doordarshan.

In a communication to the Government, the Group, which is an umbrella society representing Indian companies in television broadcasting, radio and print media sectors, has pointed out that this was essential as Doordarshan was competing with other channels like any other commercial broadcasting organisation.

"The provision of granting exemption to the public broadcaster is liable for misuse and discrimination. This is clearly evident from a recent incident where the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued show-cause notice to various broadcasters for airing surrogate advertisements in violation of the prescribed advertisement code. While almost all the private sector broadcasters were served the notice, Doordarshan was spared even though it carried the same advertisement," the communication points out.

The Group has also suggested that that the licence granted should remain valid for five years instead of the one-year period that is being suggested in the proposed Bill.

The group includes the Zee Network Chairman, Mr Subhash Chandra, India Today Editor-in-Chief, Mr Aroon Purie, and the Eenadu TV Director, Mr I. Venkat.

Cross-media rules

On the issue of cross-media rules, IMG has said that the proposals of the Government were "ill considered" as regulation of the media as a whole, including print media, has no place in a legislation enacted to deal solely with the electronic media.

"A relook is necessary at these provisions. The provisions should be structured in a manner which ensures diversity of news and views, apart from preventing monopoly without adversely affecting the interest of the Indian broadcasting fraternity," the IMG has said.

It has suggested that the proposed broadcast regulator should also have adequate representation from the electronic media as well and be on the lines of Press Council.

"Such a move would inspire confidence in the stakeholders about its autonomous and independent character," the communication adds.

Further, it has suggested that a suitable amendment be carried out so that feed provided to hotels, hospitals and guest houses among others also be considered in the definition of subscriber.

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