Now, Centre, states and PSUs want their own TV channels

The ministry of information and broadcasting (I&B) wants the sector regulator to give its fresh recommendations in the matter even though the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) in its 2008 recommendations made it clear that it did not want the state governments and their organs entering the broadcasting sector.

This comes after the I&B ministry said it has received requests from central government ministries and from several state governments to enter the broadcasting sector.

"The I&B ministry has sought the recommendation of Trai regarding the entry of central/state governments and their entities into the broadcasting sector," the I&B ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.

The I&B ministry has sought the views of Trai regarding the entry of the following entities in the broadcasting sector: Central/State ministries and departments, central/state government owned companies, central/state government undertakings/joint ventures of the central/state government and the private sector/central and state government funded entities.

Now, Trai will have to start a fresh consultation paper inviting comments from the stakeholders. However, the privately run broadcasters said such a move may put more pressure on their business model.

"If central or state governments enter the broadcasting sector, they would push for carriage of their channels on the private distribution network platforms without necessary

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