In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, I&B Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw revealed that 107 TV channels, including 24 news and 83 non-news channels, have undergone ownership changes since 2018. He assured compliance with policy guidelines and highlighted notable takeovers like NDTV by the Adani Group.
BY PC Bureau
In the last five years, ownership of 107 television channels has changed hands, including 24 news channels and 83 non-news channels, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed the Lok Sabha in a written response on Wednesday.
Of the news channels, five are in Hindi, one in English and Hindi, and 18 in other scheduled languages. Among the non-news channels, four are in Hindi, two in English, seven in both Hindi and English, and 70 in other scheduled languages. However, a detailed list of these channels was not provided.
Vaishnaw assured the House that no instances of ownership changes violating due procedures and guidelines had been observed. He also noted that the ministry had taken corrective measures in a specific case involving Reporter TV, a Malayalam news channel, where a change in shareholding pattern required adjustments to comply with policy guidelines.
One of the most notable takeovers in recent years was the Adani Group’s acquisition of NDTV, in which it secured a 64.71% stake. The deal, which concluded in March 2023, was highlighted as a significant development in the media industry.
Vaishnaw was responding to questions from TMC MP Sougata Ray, who sought details about the ownership changes and compliance with regulatory guidelines.
Breakdown of Ownership Changes:
- News Channels:
- 5 in Hindi
- 1 in English and Hindi
- 18 in other scheduled languages
- Non-News Channels:
- 4 in Hindi
- 2 in English
- 7 in Hindi and English
- 70 in other scheduled languages
