NEW DELHI: The ministry of information and broadcasting said on Friday it will consider bringing digital media entities within the ambit of the benefits that it gives to traditional print and television media.
Extending its decision last year to allow 26% FDI through the government route in digital news sites, the government clarify that the benefits will apply to entities uploading or streaming news and current affairs on websites, apps, other platforms, news agencies which supply news to digital media entities, and news aggregators that are registered or located in India, and which align their shareholding with statutory requirements within one year.
The move, a government statement said will provide level playing field for Indian news publishers on digital media with those funded by foreigners and will bring parity between FDI limits in print and FDI in digital media entities. It also said the move will help create a regulatory framework, and a more vibrant, accountable and ‘Aatmanirbhar’ digital news media ecosystem.
To avail benefits, however, digital entities will need to adhere to conditions such as having a majority of Indians as directors on their boards, as well as an Indian chief executive. They will also need to obtain security clearance for foreign personnel deployed in India for more than 60 days by way of appointment, consultancy or contract. In cases where government denied clearances or withdraws existing permissions to foreign personnel, media outlets will be required to ensure they resign or terminate their services.
The benefits extended to digital news media will include Press Information Bureau accreditation for its personnel, Central Government Health Scheme benefits and concessional rail fare to accredited persons. They will also be eligible to receive digital advertisements from the government. The ministry also said digital media will be allowed to form self-regulating bodies on the lines of those regulating print and broadcast media.