Govt favours self-regulation: I&B Minister

NEW DELHI: Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari has reiterated that he is in favour of self-regulation and ?reviews should be done by industry bodies without too much of governmental influence?.

The governmental cannot play big brother in every field, the Minister said, while responding to a question about the Film Federation of India choosing a film for the Oscars.

Self-regulation is part of the government?s role in safeguarding the fundamental freedom of the people, Tewari said in an informal chat with mediapersons.

The Government will therefore interfere only if there is a major aberration, he said.

Meanwhile, Ministry sources said the Minister has decided to give priority to gaming and animation sectors as he sees them as potential work generating industries.

The sources also said that the government is working expeditiously on ensuring that the auctions for FM Radio Phase III commence within this financial year. Certain issues raised by stakeholders are being ironed out, the sources said.

Referring to cross-media ownership, the sources said that the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India which is studying the report of the Administrative Staff College of India, Hyderabad, on this subject had sought certain clarifications from the Ministry. These clarifications have been provided and Trai is expected to finalise its report soon, the sources said.