Security clearance to TV channels valid for 10 years

Security clearances given to broadcasting companies which seek to operate TV channels will be considered valid for the entire duration of the license granted, meeting a key demand of the broadcasters.
Conveying this to the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, the Home Ministry said, however, that the decision would be relooked once a Committee of Secretaries (CoS), which is looking into similar issues across sectors, comes up with its final recommendations.
In the communication, the Home Ministry has stated that the validity of the mandatory security clearance that is given by it to broadcasters shall be considered "co-terminus" with the duration of the license, sources said.

The Home Ministry was responding to a communication from the Information and Broadcasting Ministry in this regard.
The issue relating to validity of the security clearance given to companies to run TV channels arose last year after the I&B ministry asked the MHA whether the security clearance given to broadcasting companies came with an expiry date.
The MHA wrote back saying that the validity of the security clearance was only for three years.

This led to concerns in the media industry with the News Broadcasters' Association (NBA) even making a representation to the I&B ministry seeking a reconsideration of the decision.

The I&B ministry then wrote to MHA suggesting that the duration of license given to broadcasters is 10 years and hence the security clearance should be made valid for the entire duration of the license.
"The MHA today agreed to the demand that the security clearance be made co-terminus with the license. However existing companies would still need the MHA nod if they seek permission for a new channel or wish to add a new director to their board," a senior official said.