| Government
reviewing FDI norms for broadcasting sector
28 November 2007
Mumbai:
The government has started the process of reviewing foreign direct investment
(FDI) norms for various segments, following recommendations of broadcasting sector
regulator Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). Telecom
regulator TRAI, which also monitors the broadcasting sector, has recommended a
review of the FDI policy in a holistic manner, minister of information and broadcasting
Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi told the Lok Sabha. The
government has initiated reviewing the existing FDI norms based on TRAI's recommendations
and in consultation with the concerned ministries, he said. The
idea was to bring about greater consistency in the rules for various segments
within the broadcasting sector and also in view of the likely convergence in future
between telecommunication and broadcasting sectors, he added.
Currently, FDI of up to 20 per cent is allowed in FM radio and direct-to-home
(DTH) services. The limit of FDI in television news broadcasting segment is 26
per cent, in cable services 49 per cent and in telecom sector 74 per cent. However,
in case of internet service providers, and non-news television broadcasters 100
per cent FDI is allowed.
Dasmunsi
said the government also plans to bring out policy guidelines to regulate the
content shown by service providers on internet protocol television (IPTV).  The
government, meanwhile, has signed agreements with private broadcasters to operationalise
122 FM radio channels by March 2008, he said, adding, the government has invited
tenders for allotment of 97 vacant channels.
The
government, he said, is also planning to amend the Press and Registration of Books
Act, 1867, to bring it in line with the changing times.
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