MIB seeks TRAI's view on entry of Central/State Govt. entities into broadcasting

The ministry has received requests from Central government ministries and several state governments in the past for permission to enter broadcasting and distribution activities

BestMediaInfo Bureau | Delhi | December 12, 2012

The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has sought the recommendation of TRAI regarding the entry of Central/State governments and their entities into the broadcasting sector. The ministry made this reference recently as the issue of granting permission to state governments or their organs to run cable TV networks has been drawing its attention from time to time particularly with reference to the TRAI recommendations restricting such entities to enter into broadcasting and distribution activities. The ministry has received requests from Central government ministries and several state governments in the past.

The ministry has sought the views of TRAI regarding the entry of the following entities in the broadcasting sector:

(i) Central Government Ministries and Departments / Central Government owned companies / Central Government undertakings / Joint venture of the Central Government and the private sector / Central Government funded entities.

(ii) State Government Departments/ State Government owned companies / State Government Undertakings / Joint venture of the State Government and the private sector / State Government funded entities.

TRAI in its recommendations on 'Issues relating to entry of certain entities into Broadcasting and Distribution activities' dated 12.11.2008 was of the view that state governments and their organs may not be permitted to enter into broadcasting and distribution activities.

As per extant policy guidelines for uplinking and downlinking of television channels, an applicant seeking permission to set up an uplinking hub / teleport or uplink/downlink a TV channel should be a company registered in India under the Companies Act, 1956 irrespective of its management control. This assumes significance in view of significant growth in the broadcasting sector wherein the number of TV channels and cable connections in India has grown exponentially.

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