Don’t miss the latest developments in business and finance.

Advani'S Hint On Bofors Case Only A Gesture

Image
BSCAL
Last Updated : Nov 01 1999 | 12:00 AM IST

The Prasar Bharati has moved the Election Commission (EC) for permission to make a foray into direct-to-home (DTH) television services and to start work on it, if necessary, during the run-up to the elections.

According to a government source, "Prasar Bharati has to seek EC's clearance as allowing Doordarshan to enter KU-band DTH services can amount to a policy decision and the government does not want to breach the code of conduct." The source added that the response from the EC is awaited.

This is the first major move by the government to push Doordarshan into DTH segment, setting at rest the controversy on whether private operators like Star and Zee would be allowed to operate similar platforms.

More From This Section

The United Front government in 1997, through a notification, had banned dealing in, maintaining and selling equipment capable of receiving TV signals over 4800 Mhz (frequencies in which DTH transmissions take place).

The group of ministers (GoM) entrusted to look into the issue has cleared in principle the foray of Doordarshan, the national broadcaster, to be the sole player in the arena.

Earlier in the week, a minister in the group had admitted that the GoM had discussed the Prasar Bhararti's proposal to start a KU-band DTH service on an exclusive basis for five years.

The GoM comprises the ministers of information and broadcasting, home, defence and finance. It is headed by home minister L K Advani.

Also Read

First Published: Nov 01 1999 | 12:00 AM IST

Next Story