|
The Foundation is said to have also discussed various other issues,
including the rollout of CAS, according to IBF sources.
With Mukerjea's nomination for the task force, Star India has got
a direct presence on the government-piloted panel that is laying
down the norms of CAS and helping in fixing the price of the basic
tier of cable service.
At the time the task force was constituted, broadcasting companies
like Sony Entertainment Television India, ESPN and Zee had direct
presence on the panel through IBF. Star India had also conveyed
to the IBF that it would like to be part of the task force and need
not necessarily be represented by ESPN-Star Sports.
Pubcaster Doordarshan director-general S Y Quraishi is a special
invitee at the task force and makes occasional appearances at meetings
when his inputs are needed.
Coinciding with the IBF decision, Tony D'Silva the distribution
head of Star India, today attended the task force meeting where
the costing of the basic tier of channels was discussed.
Though not confirmed, it is reported that two other issues were
discussed. One, the issue of a proposed government move to ban advertising
from pay channels post-CAS and, second, huge outstanding (from the
advertising industry) that the cable and satellite channels have
accumulated.
|