Decide on media freedom in National Media Policy:TRAI Chairman

Telecom and broadcast regulator TRAI chairman Rahul Khullar today said that government should make it clear in a national media policy that politicians and governments and their organs should not be in the business of broadcast.
"Politicians...Government, state government, their organs have absolutely no business whatsoever being in broadcasting and platform space. It is my view that government needs to announce this as integral part in national media policy," he said while speaking at CII Big Picture Summit.
Khullar cited points from recommendation of Telecom Regulatory Authority of India on media ownership and said that governments, politicians and their related bodies should not be in business of broadcast platform space.

TRAI had earlier given recommendation on barring entry of certain parties and entities in November 2008 but government did not implement it.
"Let me tell you what I think should be component of National Media Policy. First, there must be a clear articulation that we want a free media -- unhampered and unrestricted by the government in any way whatsoever," Khullar said.
The regulator again issued recommendation on media ownership last month that suggested restriction on political bodies and corporates entering the television and newspaper business.

"At this point of time I can not tell you what the government will or will not do. I firmly believe that it is time for us to have national debate on whether we can allow practices such as largely prevalent in media and practices such as Chief Minister's controlling media distribution platform, without harming national interest," he said.

Khullar added that besides this media should have safeguard and must be regulated by independent regulator.
"Simultaneously, the media itself must be subject to safeguards. Whether that comes through other forms of independent regulator. You cannot have an institution which has right but no duties," he said.
Khullar said that government should start taking decision on infrastructure for broadcast sector and end complications that hamper businesses.
"On spectrum availability--what a nightmare it is to deal with an office in Bangalore to try and get transponders in place. I have tried my best in beating my head against that wall. Its like a catch 22 situation. I will not give you a transponder and I will not let you get a transponder on your own," Khullar said.

He said for a FM radio license, a person has to run between Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and Department of Telecom which should be eased now.