India to launch BBC-like channel: Dasmunsi

New Delhi, Aug 14: The government is considering a proposal to launch a 'competitive' television channel on the lines of the BBC and CNN, Information and Broadcasting Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi tolday said.

"We want to launch a competitive channel like the BBC and CNN. This is under consideration," Mr Dasmunsi told the Lok Sabha during Question Hour.

According to the Minister, the government has not taken any decision on the new state-run channel, but said Parliament would be informed ''as soon as the decision is taken''.

At present, the government-owned Doordarshan India is beamed in 146 countries for the Indian diaspora.

Doordarshan India is available in Asia, Europe, Africa and North America, Mr Dasmunsi said.

The Minister also ruled out influencing the contents of the foreign channels. "We don't want to dictate to any foreign television channel about their content," Mr Dasmunsi said.

UNI