News Broadcasting
Ministries differ on FDI in news channels
NEW DELHI: Even as a group of ministers (GoM) deliberate on a draft of the revised uplink norms, various arms of the government differ on the issue of quantum of foreign investment in news channels uplinking from India.
As opposed to the information and broadcasting ministry, the ministries of commerce and finance feel that limiting FII investment in news ventures within the overall foreign investment cap of 26 per cent would be “restrictive.”
Rather, the finance ministry, ideally, would like the total foreign direct investment level (including FII investments) to be higher at 49 per cent.
“It would be preferable to restrict foreign direct investment (FDI) to not exceeding 49 per cent in the Indian holding companies of the applicant (news) company,” ministry of finance has observed.
Harping on similar lines, the ministry of commerce feels that capping FDI and FII investments at 26 per cent might be detrimental to foreign investments being made in India.
Reacting to a set of revised uplink norms (for news channels), inked by the I&B ministry, the commerce ministry sates, “The draft Cabinet note proposes a composite limit (FDI and FII investments) of 26 per cent, which would make the policy more restrictive.”
The finance ministry, seized with the issue of increasing FDI inflow into India, has stated that it would be preferable “not to calculate” FDI pro rata in the equity of the Indian shareholding news companies.
However, the I&B ministry seems to be obsessed with the 26 per cent limit and has argued for FII investment to be allowed within the foreign investment cap.
“The proposal to include FII/non-resident Indian investment within the overall limit of 26 per cent would not make the policy more restrictive,” the I&B ministry has countered.
It has further stated that there has been no difficulty so far in
calculating FDI on a pro rate basis in shareholding companies.
It “may not be feasible to prescribe a uniform 49 per cent shareholding (across all sectors)” as those companies may be from different sectors of the economy having different sectoral ceiling on FDI, the I&B ministry has argued.
Interestingly, the finance ministry also feels that stipulating a news venture, uplinking from India, to have a minimum of 51 per cent shareholding from Indians may be detrimental too.
Some of the public media companies like TV Today (owners of Aaj Tak and Headlines Today news channels), Zee Telefilms and Television Eighteen Ltd (the majority joint venture partner in CNBC TV 18 business channel) have made representation to the government, included in the government note, that it would be difficult for listed companies to track FII investment on a day-to-day basis.
The GoM, which is supposed to be studying the uplink and downlink policies, is still to meet on the issue. Government sources said that the process may start after the present session of Parliament adjourns sine die on 25 August.
News Broadcasting
News18 India launches Command Centre war explainer with Arya
New show shifts from debates to decoding global conflicts and impacts
MUMBAI: News18 India has rolled out a new war-focused programme, Command Centre, featuring Gaurav Arya, as it looks to offer viewers a sharper, more grounded take on global conflicts amid rising tensions in West Asia.
Positioned as an “insider war room”, the show moves away from conventional panel debates and instead focuses on explaining military developments, decoding strategy and connecting global events to their everyday impact, from fuel prices to economic shifts.
The format leans heavily on visuals and data. The studio has been designed like a command hub, complete with large LED war maps, real-time graphics and an alert system to track developments as they unfold.
At the centre of it all is Arya, who brings his military background to simplify complex war strategies for viewers. His signature line, “Seedhi baat samjhiye”, anchors the show’s promise of clarity over noise.
News18 India managing editor Jyoti Kamal said, “Command Centre, featuring Major Gaurav Arya is designed to deliver accurate insights and a clear perspective on how evolving conflicts impact everyday life, from household budgets to national security. With expert voices analysing every development in real time, the show goes beyond headlines to decode what’s happening now, what it means, and what could come next.”
Echoing the intent, Gaurav Arya added, “In times of war, confusion is the biggest threat. With News18 India’s Command Centre, we are bringing viewers inside the war room, decoding strategies, tracking every escalation, and explaining, in the simplest terms, what it means for India and for every household. Seedhi baat samjhiye, this is where you understand not just what is happening, but what happens next.”
The weekday show will air in the afternoon slot and will also feature Gaurav Shukla, adding to its editorial depth.
With its mix of analysis, visuals and a clear focus on impact, the show reflects a broader shift in news consumption. Viewers are no longer just watching events unfold, they are looking to understand what those events mean for them.
