I&B seeks to rein in unregulated news channels - The Times of India
Courtesy: TNN , Times of India,| Jan 19, 2013,
NEW DELHI: In an effort to rein in local cable channels that are broadcasting news over a wide geographical area, in some cases across states, I&B ministry has asked Trai to suggest a regulatory framework. Local cable channels come under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act 1995 but this has several loopholes, including lack of clear definition for a cable operator and its jurisdiction which allow them to operate without permission from the ministry.
These loopholes have led to several instances where cable operators have begun broadcasting news over a larger area including intra-state and inter state transmission. The ministry on Friday asked Trai to put in place a comprehensive set of provisions relating to the registration mechanism, including eligibility criteria, fee, terms and conditions provided for such channels, clear definition of local or ground based channels and their area of operation.
In its reference, the ministry has also asked if there should be a cap in the total number of "ground based channels" operated by a single multi-system operator (MSO) or cable operator. Trai has also been asked to prescribe a separate eligibility criteria for cable operators transmitting local news and current affairs channels.
Specific recommendations have been sought with regard to eligibility criteria, terms and conditions including foreign investment levels, networth criteria and requirement of security clearance for such channels. "We have noticed that in nearly every city cable operations have consolidated and their influence has grown. This is disturbing because they are not registered with the ministry," a senior I&B official said.
More at: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/IB-seeks-to-rein-in-unregulated-news-channels/articleshow/18081797.cms
Courtesy: TNN , Times of India,| Jan 19, 2013,
NEW DELHI: In an effort to rein in local cable channels that are broadcasting news over a wide geographical area, in some cases across states, I&B ministry has asked Trai to suggest a regulatory framework. Local cable channels come under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act 1995 but this has several loopholes, including lack of clear definition for a cable operator and its jurisdiction which allow them to operate without permission from the ministry.
These loopholes have led to several instances where cable operators have begun broadcasting news over a larger area including intra-state and inter state transmission. The ministry on Friday asked Trai to put in place a comprehensive set of provisions relating to the registration mechanism, including eligibility criteria, fee, terms and conditions provided for such channels, clear definition of local or ground based channels and their area of operation.
In its reference, the ministry has also asked if there should be a cap in the total number of "ground based channels" operated by a single multi-system operator (MSO) or cable operator. Trai has also been asked to prescribe a separate eligibility criteria for cable operators transmitting local news and current affairs channels.
Specific recommendations have been sought with regard to eligibility criteria, terms and conditions including foreign investment levels, networth criteria and requirement of security clearance for such channels. "We have noticed that in nearly every city cable operations have consolidated and their influence has grown. This is disturbing because they are not registered with the ministry," a senior I&B official said.
More at: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/IB-seeks-to-rein-in-unregulated-news-channels/articleshow/18081797.cms
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