Now, deny live feed to DD and lose license

The government could revoke the license of a private broadcaster if it refuses sharing live feed of sports of national interest with Prasar Bharati, under the new ordinance that comes into force from today.

The Sports Broadcasting Signals (Mandatory Sharing With Prasar Bharati) Ordinance 2007 notified by the government, also provides for a penalty of Rs 1 crore, for denying live feed to the public broadcaster.

"No content rights owner or holder and no television or radio broadcasting service provider shall carry a live television broadcast, or any cable, or direct-to-home network, or radio commentary broadcast in India unless it simultaneously shares the live broadcasting signal, without advertisement, with Prasar Bharati," the ordinance read.

On the revenue sharing part between private broadcasters and Prasar Bharati, the new law lays down the ratio of 75:25 in case of television coverage and 50:50 in case of radio broadcast.

Specifying penalties for failing to adhere to new law, the ordinance said government "may specify penalties to be imposed, including suspension or revocation of license, permission or registration, for violation of various terms and conditions."

The amount of "pecuniary penalty shall not exceed one crore rupees," the ordinance said, adding the service provider will have "a reasonable opportunity" to defend its case.