[icernet] Slew Of Cos Waiting For Uplinking Approval

[Arul Selvan]

  Even as several news channels are in the process of being launched, 
uplinking permission is a hurdle for many of these broadcasters. Star, 
as is known, has not been granted uplinking permission yet, because of 
its 100 per cent foreign broadcaster status. But, Star is not alone. 
Among those waiting in the wings for uplinking permission are TV Today 
Network, NDTV World, Bharat Broadcasting Channel (from the Videocon 
group) and Mr Rajat Sharmas Independent News Service Pvt Ltd.

Before going to the Cabinet over uplinking issues, the government asked 
various crucial ministries for their inputs on the same. According to 
sources in the government, the ministry of external affairs has 
recommended a limit of 26 per cent foreign equity for channels to be 
able to uplink from the country. Among others, home and finance 
ministries are in favour of 49 per cent foreign equity cap. The Cabinet 
is expected to take up the issue sometime this week to take a holistic 
view of the uplinking policy.

Source:
http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=28793