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Our Bureau

`No intention of encroaching on media independence'

New Delhi , Aug. 15

The Government will hold consultations and look into the concerns of the industry before finalising the Broadcasting Services Regulation Bill, the Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Mr S.K. Arora, has said.

"We cannot fix a timeframe for introducing the Bill in Parliament. We have given one-month time for receiving suggestions after which we would require some time to examine them. In addition, there would also have to be inter-ministerial consultations before the proposal can be put before the Union Cabinet. It is only after the Cabinet nod that we can approach Parliament. We are certainly working in a manner that the Bill does not lie with us for too long," said Mr Arora.

The Secretary was briefing the media after a meeting with more than 30 senior representatives from the television and print media that was being held for the first time after the official version of the draft Bill was made public last week.

Attempting to put to rest fears about the search, seizure, confiscation provisions, the Secretary said the clause would be applicable only for three offences, including unlicensed activity and telecast of anti-national content. The Secretary added that the Government had no intention of encroaching on the independence of the media and added that not only was it interested in the growth of the media but also in ensuring that the Government does not interfere in the freedom of expression.

At the meeting none of the participants called for the Bill to be dropped, Mr Arora said. On the issue of crossholding in the media, the Secretary said that they were opinions both in favour and against it at the meeting.

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