Indian Private Broadcasters May be Forced to Share Sports Feeds with DD

NEW DELHI, January 5: The Indian government is proposing
legislation that would require commercial broadcasters to share sports coverage
of key events with pubcaster Doordarshan, according to local reports.

The proposal in the cricket-mad nation comes just two months
before the start of the ICC Cricket World Cup in March. This year’s event will
be broadcast in India on SET MAX and Doordarshan.

Under the proposed legislation, private broadcasters would
have to share coverage of any events “of national interest,” including cricket
finals, tennis grand slams and any matches in which India is a participant.

The legislation is expected to make it before the Cabinet by
the end of the month, Information and Broadcasting Minister P R Dasmunsi told
local reporters.