Ministry give nod for FDI proposal in broadcast carriage services

20 December 2011: The Union Ministry of Finance has given approval to a draft cabinet note on a proposed hike in the foreign investment cap in different broadcasting services like Direct-to-Home and cable TV networks to a uniform 74 per cent.

Among different segments, 74 per cent FDI will be allowed in the mobile TV, an area of future growth. The DIPP in the Industry Ministry has suggested that FDI limits in the broadcast carriage services providers, including Head-end in the Sky (HITS) must be uniform. HITS is a satellite multiplex service that provides cable channels for cable television operations. Presently, 49 per cent FDI is allowed in cable TV and DTH, while it is 74 per cent in HITS. However, for the TV news channels, FM radios and content provides, the FDI limit will stay at 26 per cent.

Source: Business standard