New Delhi: It is understood that the information and broadcasting ministry is likely to study the recommendations of Trai in detail and take a decision on the matter in due course. Trai said an exit route option should be provided in case permission to any such organisations have already been granted.
“On grounds of the inherent conflict of interest, the authority recommends that ownership restrictions on corporates entering the media should be seriously considered by the government and the regulator,” it said.
“This may entail restricting the amount of equity holding/loans by a corporate in a media company, viz. to comply with provisions relating to control,” it said.
The regulator also asked the government to desist from regulating the media and called for a self-regulatory mechanism for the sector. “The government should not regulate the media; there should be a single regulatory autho-rity for TV and print mediums; the regulatory body should consist of eminent persons fro-m different walks of life, including the media. It should be manned predominantly by eminent non-media persons,” it said. It also called for steps to ensure functional independence and autonomy for Prasar Bharati.
