New Media Bill in India

NEW DELHI, June 27:
India’s government is proposing legislation that would regulate the country’s
broadcast industry.

The bill is aimed at
Indian media companies, but places restrictions on local programming that would
impact foreign channels as well, such as News Corporation’s STAR TV and Sony’s
SET.

According to press
reports, the bill would require that 15 percent of broadcast content be
produced in India, 10 percent of programming be dedicated to socially relevant
issues and 10 percent of advertising time be reserved for public service
announcements.

India’s Cabinet could
discuss the proposed legislation as early as next month.