Indian broadcasters hit out at government’s revoked licence threat

[OnePiece]

Indian broadcasters hit out at government’s revoked licence threat

Rebecca Hawkes ©RapidTVNews | 09-10-2011

India's TV news channels could have their licenses cancelled if they are found guilty of five 'violations', according to a clause in the government's new broadcasting policy guidelines – a move which has caused concerns that press freedom could be compromised.
Under the cabinet-approved changes, a government appointed body, rather than a court, would decide whether any news channel seeking renewal of its uplinking or downlinking licence had fallen foul of India's programme and advertising code five times during the terms of its licence.
"The new norms of renewal of news channels are shocking," Shazi Zaman, president of the Broadcast Editors' Association (BEA) is reported as saying in The Times of India. "The government has subverted self regulation by putting the five violation clause for renewal. This clause has a dangerous potential for arbitrary use. This move is a direct attack by government on freedom of speech and should be reversed immediately."
The programme and advertising code covers a wide range of potential misdemeanours, including content that is deemed vulgar, obscene, anti-national or hurtful to any community – some of which could be measured subjectively, according to critics.
"We already have a regulatory mechanism in place with guidelines that have been put in place in consultation with the I&B (Information and Broadcasting) ministry," Sunil Lulla, managing director and chief executive of Times Global Broadcasting said, adding that the "shocking" new rule was not discussed with stakeholders, according to The Times of India.
"With the new norms, government is trying to control an otherwise independent electronic media by sending a subtle message that their permission to uplink can be withdrawn should they not 'behave', BEA said in a statement.
"Can content be left to the wisdom of the bureaucrats in a democracy?" queried the association.

[OnePiece]

India’s 2G inquiry widens as CBI probes DTH spectrum allocation

Rebecca Hawkes ©RapidTVNews | 10-10-2011

India's Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is now examining the spectrum allocated to direct to home (DTH) satellite broadcasters as part of its growing inquiry into the 2G mobile frequency scam.
Federal investigators have sought details including original files containing applications for the assigning of spectrum and wireless operating licences for DTH services, according to the Press Trust of India (PTI).
The documentation being scrutinised reportedly pertains to Dish TV India, Reliance Big TV, Bharti Multi-media, Bharti Business Channel, Doordarshan, SunDirect TV, and Tata Sky.
CBI sources told the PTI files were being explored as some of these companies were under investigation in the 2G corruption case, which includes looking at the role of former Telecommunications Minister Dayanidhi Maran in the Aircel-Maxis deal.
Public broadcaster Doordarshan and Dish TV have no related telecommunications assets, and neither Tata or Bharti have been accused of wrongdoing. However, Reliance Telecommunications is facing charges of criminal conspiracy and cheating in the 2G mobile case.
The CBI is also looking into a possible bribe received by a south India-based TV channel, according to the PTI.
The CBI has alleged in a charge sheet that DMK MP Kanimozhi, daughter of former Tamil Nadu chief minister M Karunanidhi, had placed Kalaignar TV in the Tata Sky DTH bouquet in conspiracy with party colleague and former Telecommunications Minister A Raja.
CBI investigators have also searched the homes and offices of politician Dayanidhi Maran and Sun TV chairman Kalanithi Maran, according to an unconfirmed report on the news channel NDTV on 10 October.