NEW DELHI: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has forwarded a list of 82 TV channels, teleports and news agencies to the Home Ministry for a fresh round of security clearance as their initial ten-year licenses expire.
Last week, the Home Ministry had also agreed to examine all cases of multi-system operators (MSOs) awaiting security clearance to get licenses for digital addressable system. MIB secretary Bimal Julka told Indiantelevision.com that the initial license was for ten years. Julka will also be meeting concerned officials of the Home Ministry in this regard.
If found suitable, permission will be granted for renewal for an interim period up to 31 December, 2015 or till the final decision on channels’ application for renewal of permission is taken, whichever is earlier.
However, TV channels, teleports, news agencies and MSOs have been asked to furnish an affidavit to the effect that the company will abide by all the provisions of the latest Uplinking/ Downlinking Guidelines and other relevant instructions/ modifications issued from time to time.
All applicants have been asked to send the information to the MIB along with supporting documents within l5 days to enable it to proceed further in the matter.
Prominent names among those whose cases are coming up for renewal include several channels of Bennett, Coleman & Co., Eenadu Television, Panorama Television, Prism TV, Television Eighteen India, Zee Entertainment Enterprises, Zee Media Corporation (erstwhile Zee News), IBN18 Broadcast and Times Global Broadcasting Company.
Broadcasters may also enclose the details of Board of Directors (BOD) and latest Share Holding Pattern (SHP) including foreign direct investment (FDI) component, if any, duly accompanied by requisite approval of the Foreign Investments Promotion Board (FIPB).
The companies were also asked to ensure submission of the annual renewal fee for both Uplinking and Downlinking at rates as applicable as per Guidelines and for the period that may be due.
For full list of TV channels, Teleports and News Agencies, click here.
