INDIA DELAYS DTH SATELLITE TV SERVICE
By Adnews Staff
It looks like Canada isn't the only country that has had problems launching direct-to-home satellite television services. India has banned such services until a new broadcast law is approved by Parliament. Under the new law, there will be a 49% limit on foreign investment in channels beaming to India, a 20% ceiling on crossholdings among different media, tough censorship provisions and a new industry regulator, the Broadcast Authority of India. Issues under scrutiny are: the operation of DTH services via licenses, repatriation of advertising revenues to overseas headquarters and the possibility of allowing private channels to uplink from Indian soil. India's television industry experienced a boost of development beginning in 1990 during CNN International's live coverage of the Persan Gulf War. The country now has over 50 channels. Television in 1996 accounted for 35% of the total ad spend in India, a figure which will rise to 39% next year, according to Carat Media Services India.