Centre forms Media and Broadcasting task force

Chandigarh: The Union information and broadcasting minister, Ms Ambika Soni, On Saturday said that a task force has been set up for the proposed Broadcasting Authority of India, which would look into issues related to media and broadcasting.

"A task force has been set up for the Broadcasting Authority of India and we are hoping that something concrete should emerge on it (Broadcasting Authority) during the Budget Session expected to start on February 23," Ms Soni, who was in the city to lay foundation stone of a 'Mahila Bhawan' to be built by the Municipal Corporation, told reporters.

The Broadcasting Authority would deal with issues pertaining to electronic media, broadcasting, spectrum and taxation, she said, adding that views and opinions of all the stakeholders are being sought in this regard.

However, Ms Soni said, "I think there should be a self regulation (on the part of electronic media) instead of any regulation imposed by the government."

Replying to a query on allowing FM channels to run news, the union minister said that comments had been sought from different ministries on this issue.

"But the FM channels will be sourcing news only from Akashwani," she said.

On the issue of women reservation in Parliament, Ms Soni said that the UPA government is committed to pass the women reservation bill in its regime.