The Information & Broadcasting Ministry has decided to approach the prime minister for a final decision on the move to set up a broadcasting regulatory authority, that is being stiffly opposed by the  sector. It has claimed support from consumer groups, NGOs, women’s groups and cable operators for its move to set up the authority.

Interacting with the media after a state information ministers’ conference, I&B Minister P R Dasmunsi said it was only the broadcast media that was opposed to a regulator. He added that he would seek the views of all chief ministers on the issue before approaching the prime minister for “guidance.”

He however said, “I would like to make it abundantly clear that a free society does not mean that there could be a scenario of ‘go as you like’ and the people have no choice but to digest  or absorb it.”

He did not directly mention the recent ‘sting’ carried out by Live India Channel that wrongly portrayed a Delhi school teacher as inducing her students into prostitution. Mr Dasmunsi stated that there would be no problem if stings were backed by solid evidence.

 On the issue of entertainment tax on films, he said all states in principle agreed to bring it down further during the meeting. “While the entertainment tax on the film industry has been reduced from 70 per cent to an average of about 50 per cent, we have been recommending further reduction to 25-30 per cent. This will give a boost to the exhibition sector.

eduction of ticket rates would encourage more viewership,” he said.