NEW DELHI: Information and broadcasting minister K.P. Singh Deo recently categorically said that Proposals by foreign Newspapers to launch Indian editions were still Under  consideration stage” and it Was Up to the Cabinet to review the nearly 40-year-old policy decision Opposing entry of foreign newspapers. Replying to a discussion on the working of the  and B ministry in the Rajya Sabha (Upper House) Deo said the decisions of the Nehru Cabinet in 1955 and 1956 were Still the “yardstick” for considering requests for entry of foreign Media into the country

It is for the cabinet and not the I and B ministry to take a decision on the issue” Deo said. He said the government would have to study all the implications and ramifications of allowing entity of foreign media into the country. He said the T and B ministry had “consistently denied” permission for launching Indian editions of foreign news publications even if there was an equity tie up with Indian parties. The minister referred to news reports of media barons descending on the country for tic-ups and said if such barons come then it is purely their private visits.”

Referring to the visit of star TV owner and international media tycoon Rupert Murdoch the minister said both the prime minister 4nd he had discussions with him.

The prime minister had categorically told Murdoch that some of the programs telecast by his network were not in consonance with Indian funds and culture and hurt the sensibilities of Indian viewers.

Deo said the message had  gone home judging by Murdoch telling newspapers that he would revamp Some of the programs.

The minister said Doordarshan would be launching as many as 20 new channels by August 15,1995 when the in sat two   goes up.

He said using the highly advanced digital compression technology the Indian engineers had made possible the launching of 20 FM channels on radio which would enable the countrymen to listen to programs of their choice sitting in part of the country.

Of course they would have to use a dish for the purpose Deo said.

Minister K.P. Singh Deo recently said that no foreign TV network would be allowed to use uplink facility without prior permission under the existing laws. The I and B ministry would not allow it and the rights should rest Solely with the Doordarshan (national TV network) in the interest Of sovereignty of the country he told the Rajya Sabha (Upper House) while replying to a discussion on the working of his ministry.

Referring to the telecast of the world cup cricket in 1996; Deo said Doordarshan did not come into the picture as the organizers had sold the telecast rights to the world tel

But foreign TV networks had to seek the permission of the telecommunication finance and home ministries he said.

When these ministries will consult the Pand B ministry we will not allow provision of uplink facilities to foreign TV networks” the minister said

Information and Broadcasting Minister K.P. Singh Deo also claimed 16 rule out “banning or Jamming” of programs from foreign satellite TV networks

The minister said it was not possible to stop the free flow of information from foreign satellites.

The Doordarshan had been trying to combat in its own way the foreign satellite TV network Deo said.

The government had written to its missions abroad from where these satellite networks operate to take up with the governments there that the programs put out by the networks were not in consonance with Indian ethos culture and morality he said.

Article extracted from this publication >> July 15, 1994