Have you written a position paper on FDI in the television broadcasting medium and if so what are the key issues?
No I have not written any position paper on the FDI policy. The key issue: I believe that separating content from edit is nonsense.
Another important issue is, why limit foreign investment only in the news business? It must be made applicable to entertainment channels also, to protect Indian culture.
You have suggested that the 51 per cent holding of an Indian partner should be made applicable to all channels, not just news channels. What is the logic of this?
The reason for including all channels is that while news influences the polity, entertainment influences culture.
Hence there is need to make this 51 per cent Indian partner condition applicable to all channels.
Have you discussed the paper and the issue with the government or with L K Advani or anybody in the government?
I have spoken to Ravi Shankar (the information and broadcasting minister). People in the government will not agree or disagree immediately.
Hence there was no immediate reaction from his end. As to Advaniji, why should I tell you?
The India Media Group met Advani and asked for a similar restriction on FDI. Did you have any discussions with them?
I have met members of the India Media Group. IMG is also a swadeshi outfit.
Are you satisfied with the 51 per cent foreign investment limit for broadcasting imposed by the government?
The 51 per cent condition is for a single Indian partner and the foreign partner cannot hold more than 24 per cent.
Effectively, Indians will control 76 per cent and that is fine.
