Allaying fears of members that opening up could lead to foreign control of electronic media, Information Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Friday told the Rajya Sabha that Government would not allow dilution of editorial control of news channels being with Indians.
Asserting that a number of safeguards had been in-built in the guidelines for foreign direct investment in electronic media, Prasad said, "It had been obligatory for companies to take prior clearance from government if they propose any change in equity."
The guidelines provided for strict monitoring of news channels by government representatives, he said.
On Direct to Home TV, he said Government would ensure in no way foreign equity participation would be allowed to exceed 49 per cent. Any player not fulfilling this would not be allowed to invest in DTH.
Declaring that India had been overtaken by technology revolution in electronic media, the minister said there could be no going back in opening up as it had tremendous potential for revenue generation and employment for youth.
Sharing the concern of the members, Prasad said all norms would fully adhered to ensure that the national security was not breached.
He said news channels have been "totally segregated" from entertainment channels in which 100 per cent FDI is allowed so that they do not televise news in violation of norms.
On print media, he said Government's move to keep at least 51 per cent stake with Indian owners had been driven by the fact that newspapers were mostly family-owned.
