MIB approves licences for 12 new TV channels

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has approved licences for 12 new TV channels in India adding them to the list of permitted private satellite TV channels.

As on 31 August, the ministry has permitted 810 private satellite TV channels in India, of which 398 are news and current affairs channels and 412 are non-news and current affairs channels.

It may be noted that between June and August 2014, the new government has granted 15 new licences. Altogether, the ministry has approved 36 TV channel licences this year. In the latest round, the MIB has approved 12 new TV channel licences; the new channels that have received clearances include Blue, ESPN, ESPN HD, Star Sports Highlights, Star Cricket Asia, Janam and Green TV.

Of the 810 channels permitted by the ministry, 682 channels have been permitted to uplink from India as well as downlink into India. As many as 35 channels have been permitted only to uplink from India while 93 channels have been permitted to only downlink into India.

In another development, Thrissur-based Janam Multimedia has finally managed to get the TV channel licence from MIB to launch Malayalam news and entertainment channel Janam TV. This licence, as per reports has been stuck for more than two years now as a result of the previous government’s refusal to grant security clearance to the company on ground that some of its promoters had links with Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). I&B Minister Prakash Javadekar had earlier said that his government would speed up the process of granting a TV channel licence to Janam TV. In a statement given to the media, I&B Minister Prakash Javadekar said, “When I was reviewing applications, I came across Janam TV’s file and what I saw in the file shocked me to the core. The [UPA] government denied application just because some of the promoters had links with the RSS”.

It may be noted that P Viswaroopan is the MD of the channel while Rajesh G Pillai is the COO and Executive Editor. Pillai was earlier assistant VP and news division head at Asianet Satellite Communications. Janam TV’s logo was unveiled in April by Malayalam actor Suresh Gopi. Reports suggest that the channel requires around Rs 500 million in three phases spanning a period of five years. The promoters have formed a public limited company and are seeking funds from common investors. Janam anticipates a break-even within four/five years and start making profits thereafter.