Eventful year for Information & Broadcasting ministry

The year 2013 was an eventful one for the Information & Broadcasting ministry which took steps to change the framework for the sector and completed the second phase of cable digitisation drive.
There was also saw a tussle between regulator TRAI and broadcasters over the implementation of a rule which allowed showing of only 12 minutes of ads and promotional content on TV channels. With TRAI and the broadcasters disagreeing on the issue, the matter went for adjudication.
As the year began, the Tamil Nadu government banned Kamal Haasan movie "Vishwaroopam", due to concerns related to law and order. Spurred by states imposing bans on films certified by the censor board, the I&B ministry appointed a committee under Justice (retd) Mukul Mudgal for a review of the Cinematograph Act.

The committee submitted its recommendations, which include that state governments should refrain from passing orders prohibiting the screening of certified films.
During the year, the ministry initiated consultations to amend the Press and Registration of Books and Publications Act and mulled provisions to curb the menace of paid news.
The ministry also initiated the process to establish guidelines for television rating agencies on the basis of TRAI recommendations and is all set to approach the Cabinet for its approval. TRAI also made recommendations to the I&B ministry on other issues including on applying restrictions on the market share in the cable sector to avoid monopolies. The ministry also held consultations and is examining the possibility of increasing FDI limits in media.