The Hindu Business Line : `Star in talks to expand business'

WHILE acknowledging that the Star Group is in talks with various groups to expand its media business in the country, Mr Peter Mukherjea, CEO, Star India, termed the buzz around a tie-up between Rupert Murdoch-owned group and Hindustan Times as "speculative".

There have been reports that the Star Group has already entered into a joint venture with HT, whereby Star would pick up 26 per cent stake in HT, Hindustan and HT.Com, while HT would have a 51 per cent stake in Star News.

Speaking to presspersons here on Thursday on the issue of editorial control in Star News, Mr Mukherjea said more than the Star Group, the Government had the power to veto. "The uplinking guidelines makes it mandatory for the channel to obtain Government approval for the person who heads the channel. The ultimate right is with the Ministry. Newspapers do not have to seek such a permission (for such appointments)," he said

The uplinking guidelines clearly state that it is obligatory on the part of the company to take prior permission from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting before effecting any alteration in the foreign shareholding pattern and/or on the CEO/board of directors.

Mr Mukherjea said that at present no restructuring is being undertaken in Media Content and Communication Services (MCCS) (the company which has applied for an uplinking license), but added that they would do so to comply with any change in the Government rules.

Besides uplinking, the Star Chief today clearly stated that the company has yet not joined Zee Telefilms head-end in the sky (HITS) platform — a technology which will do away with the cable operator. "There are various issues such as copyrights, piracy which need to be addressed. In fact, we have not signed with any of the HITS players," Mr Mukherjea added. Besides Zee, Hathway, British Gas and Motorola have evinced interest in offering this platform.

But Star's cup of woes has not ended just yet. The Government has initiated a probe into its radio business and has sought some clarifications from the company.

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