Centre moots Broadcasting Authority of India for TV channels.

            The Union Government will create the Broadcasting Authority of India (BAI) on par with TRAI, covering TV channels and Doordarshan, Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting S Jagat Rakshakan said at Shirdi, Kopargaon (Maha) today(02-02-10).

           The minister told reporters after his visit to Shri Saibaba temple at Shirdi, that the Indian Press Act is 140-year-old and stressed the need to have amendment in the act and a committee will be set up for the purpose.


        "The UPA-led government has taken a decision to create BAI on the lines of Telephone Regulatory Authority of India and very soon a draft bill will be prepared," he said

          It is difficult for the government to keep a tab on TV channels telecasting news and programmes, as there are around 532 TV channels, he said, adding, channels should desist themselves from airing sensitive issues which may create unrest in the society, he said.

          The government-owned Doordarshan and All India Radio, has its network all over the country including rural and isolated sectors and government will spend Rs 5,000 crore for the modernisation on both Doordarshan and AIR, Rakshakan said.

       Around 150 FM radio and 21 DD centres will be opened in the country soon, the minister said.