Formation of regulatory authority only after consultation with industry: Soni

New Delhi, Aug 26 (ANI): Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni has said that a regulatory mechanism would be formed for broadcasting only after consultations with stakeholders

Soni assured the broadcasters that the industry's larger interests would be taken into consideration while forming the mechanism.

" Some ground rules are needed. But no laws would be imposed on broadcasters," Soni said.

Addressing a seminar of broadcasters Soni informed the media that the I and B Ministry is holding consultations with broadcasters on the nature of the regulatory authority.

"I don't see why broadcasters should have apprehensions about content regulation. I would like to categorically say that the government does not want to put draconian laws on electronic media."

She said the consultations with the broadcasters are not taking place with any pre-conceived notion and expressed hope that a positive outcome will emerge from the consultation.

" As channels operating in the country are increasing it is difficult to monitor all of them, therefore the proposed authority will also measure impact of these channels," Soni said. (ANI)