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Opposition writes to PM for broadcasting regulatory body
New Delhi, July 25: Opposition MPs have sought Prime Minister Vajpayee`s intervention for immediately setting up a regulatory body for the broadcasting industry to ensure a level-playing field between Indian and foreign broadcasters in the country.
New Delhi, July 25: Opposition MPs have sought Prime Minister Vajpayee`s intervention for immediately setting up a regulatory body for the broadcasting industry to ensure a level-playing field between Indian and foreign broadcasters in the country.
In a letter to Vajpayee, 83 MPs, including those from the Congress, Left groups and Samajwadi Party, said a number of channels were not adhering to the uplinking guidelines and there was "urgent need" for setting up a regulatory authority to bring transparency and compliance with rules.
Apparently referring to Star News, they said "a glaring example is the recent application for uplinking by a foreign group which is floating shell companies to overcome the foreign equity holding guidelines."
They demanded all foreign channels should be brought under the ambit of Indian laws, including for broadcasting and taxation. The MPs said the broadcasters should all adhere to a common set of guidelines and revenues generated within the country should be utilised here and only dividends after taxes should be allowed to be remitted to holding company abroad.
The MPs also said all sections of the media, including print, should follow FDI rules and guidelines of the country.
They said Indian broadcasting has grown to a Rs 15,000 crore industry employing millions of people and the figure is likely to touch Rs 50,000 crore in next few years.
Among signatories to the letter are also MPs from NCP, JD (S), RJD, NC, DMK and TMC.
In a letter to Vajpayee, 83 MPs, including those from the Congress, Left groups and Samajwadi Party, said a number of channels were not adhering to the uplinking guidelines and there was "urgent need" for setting up a regulatory authority to bring transparency and compliance with rules.
Apparently referring to Star News, they said "a glaring example is the recent application for uplinking by a foreign group which is floating shell companies to overcome the foreign equity holding guidelines."
They demanded all foreign channels should be brought under the ambit of Indian laws, including for broadcasting and taxation. The MPs said the broadcasters should all adhere to a common set of guidelines and revenues generated within the country should be utilised here and only dividends after taxes should be allowed to be remitted to holding company abroad.
The MPs also said all sections of the media, including print, should follow FDI rules and guidelines of the country.
They said Indian broadcasting has grown to a Rs 15,000 crore industry employing millions of people and the figure is likely to touch Rs 50,000 crore in next few years.
Among signatories to the letter are also MPs from NCP, JD (S), RJD, NC, DMK and TMC.
Bureau Report