I&B seeks to change rules for uplinking, downlinking

The need for companies to register was felt after it was found by authorities that channels operating from outside the country could not be held accountable for their programmes or their news content. Most of the major entertainment channels uplink from outside with the cable operators/multi-service operators picking up the signals. At best, it was the operator who was often hauled up under the Cable Television Networks Rules for airing objectionable programmes.

Also, the Government, it is learnt, had expressed unhappiness over the coverage of the recent tsunami by some foreign channels. Moreover, the issue of adult content on some of the movie channels continues to give occasional headaches to the Government.

Last week, the ministry had granted a six-month extension to news and current affairs channels requiring them to raise the equity base of their Indian partner to 51 per cent.

Guidelines for news channels require adherence to a 26 per cent cap on foreign direct investment with the Indian partner holding not less than 51 per cent.

Now, both the rules on uplinking and downlinking will be presented to the Cabinet. Pending approval, they will seek ensure greater conformity with the laws of the land.

State I&B ministers’ meeting on April 16

WARANGAL: Union I&B Minister S. Jaipal Reddy on Thursday said that a meeting of the ministers of information and public relations of all states would be held in Delhi on April 16-17 to discuss a uniform entertainment tax. ‘‘Major changes were in the offing with the government deciding to promote growth of radio in a big way,’’ Reddy said here. — PTI