Business Daily from THE HINDU group of publications
Friday, Jun 20, 2008
ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version | Audio
Business Daily from THE HINDU group of publications Friday, Jun 20, 2008 ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version | Audio |
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Info-Tech
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Regulatory Bodies & Rulings Industry & Economy - Radio/TV Web Extras - Newspapers & Publishing TRAI to issue consultation paper on cross media ownership Meera Mohanty New Delhi, June 19 The Government has asked the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) for its recommendations on cross media ownership. TRAI will issue a consultation paper on the subject soon. “A reference has come from the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, and we have taken cognisance of it, confirmed Mr Nripendra Misra, Chairman, TRAI. An official in the Ministry said that there was no immediate provocation for the move, but to look at possible monopolistic tendencies that might emerge from the expansion of media enterprises. Cross media ownership restrictions are currently only applicable to the DTH sector in which broadcasting companies and cable networks can only own 20 per cent equity; Star for example has a stake in Tata Sky. Media companies are growing into conglomerates: Sun TV Network has launched radio stations from Gulbarga in Karnataka to Asansol in West Bengal; Malayala Manorama and HT Media also have radio interests. HT is expected to follow Bennett Coleman and Company and launch a television channel soon. Television houses such as Network 18 have announced print media ventures.
Level playing field According to the Ministry, guidelines on cross media restrictions will also help bring a level playing field amongst players in similar businesses. “Now there are telecom companies with plans for terrestrial broadcast through IPTV and mobile TV. While in the telecom sector FDI of up to 49 per cent is permitted through the direct route, in broadcasting the FIPB’s approval is needed for any amount of FDI. It is issues like these that we seek to address,” said an official from the Ministry. “Even in countries such as the US and Australia there are cross media restrictions that don’t allow media organisations to dominate all media platforms in any particular geographical area,” said Mr Paranjoy Guha Thakurta, an independent analyst. “The issue is really of pluralities, and while in principle it could be desirable, it will be difficult to restrict media monopolies through legislations,” he added. However, argues an official of another media enterprise who asked not be named, “There is enough competition across segments — take the number of news channels, or even DTH operators — that can ensure plurality. If there is any monopoly it’s in terrestrial broadcasting where only Prasar Bharati operates.” More Stories on : Regulatory Bodies & Rulings | Radio/TV | Newspapers & Publishing
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