The Hindu : Front Page : TRAI: raise cap on foreign investment in news channels

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Sunday, Apr 27, 2008
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TRAI: raise cap on foreign investment in news channels

Anita Joshua

NEW DELHI: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has differed with the Union Information and Broadcasting Ministry on foreign investment limits in some segments of the broadcasting sector, particularly news channels and cable networks.

While the Ministry is for retaining the existing cap on foreign investment in news channels and cable networks, TRAI has suggested that it be increased in both sectors. Against the existing 26 per cent limit in news channels and 49 per cent in cable networks, TRAI has suggested that it be increased to 49 and 74 per cent respectively.

In its recommendations on foreign investment limits for the broadcasting sector released on Saturday, TRAI again does not see eye to eye with the Ministry on the foreign funding cap for FM radio.

While the Ministry was open to increasing it from 20 to 24 per cent, TRAI is for allowing 49 per cent foreign investment.

In teleport, Direct-to-Home television and Headend-in-the-sky (HITS), there is consensus on increasing the FI limit to 74 per cent.

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