Print Media Policies to have a new face in India

The first meeting of the group of ministers (GoM) on print media policies is likely to take place during December 2004. The controversy over International Herald Tribune (IHT) getting published from India led to the government take the decision to form the GoM as the current government guidelines do not permit foreign newspapers to be printed from India. The GoM is also expected to lay down the definition of ‘news and current affairs publications’ and ‘specialty/technical journals’. At present, ‘news and current affairs’ publications are allowed up to 26% of foreign direct investment (FDI), while specialty/technical journals can go up to a maximum of 74% foreign investment and a clarity on the definition may clear the way for many publications awaiting foreign investment for their expansion plans.