Parties may get own channels

The TRAI issues a consultation paper seeking views for allowing various Organization to own a television or radio station.

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India on Monday issued a consultation paper seeking views for allowing political parties, religious groups, public sector enterprises, state governments and local bodies to own a television or radio station.

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The consultation paper is in response to a letter written by the Information and Broadcasting Ministry to TRAI seeking its recommendations on these aspects. The ministry’s action was a result of the state governments demanding their share in the pie of the broadcast sector.

The ministry has sought specific recommendations on whether religious groups should be allowed to run television channels or radio stations. The consultation paper throws up questions to stakeholders on these specific issues, a TRAI statement said.