With just two months to go before the cricket World Cup, I&B minister P R Dasmunsi said, “a Bill making it mandatory to share feed of events of national interest with Prasar Bharati will be placed before the Cabinet by the end of this month."
The issue is very contentious, with pay-broadcasters opposing the move, saying it will hurt revenues. Acquiring major sports rights is an expensive proposition and sharing them with Prasar Bharati makes it less remunerative.
Under already published government guidelines, the public service broadcaster would get the rights to broadcast any sports event of national interest. This may include cricket finals, tennis grand slams and those events where India is a participant. It makes it mandatory for other sports channels to share the coverage with DD and AIR, and if enforced, will be applicable to all contracts existing and proposed.
