Executive Dossier
FII investment in TV news ventures: only cabinet nod remaining
NEW DELHI: The government today officially admitted that a decision has been taken in principle to allow FII investment in TV news ventures, bringing it at par with norms for the print medium.
However, the FII investment would form part of the over allzz foreign investment cap of cap of 26 per cent
Information and broadcasting ministry has also firmed up changes that would be effected in the radio broadcast policy, including those for FM radio, wherein the bidding process would not be done away with.
Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of a function to announce measures being taken by the ministry relating to content regulation, which was reported by indiantelevision.com last week only, a senior ministry official said, “We are of the opinion that FII investment in news channel ventures should be allowed and a note relating to this has been circulated amongst other ministries.”
As reported by indiantelevision.com earlier, the clarification on FII investment in news channels uplinking from India would be issued by the government “soon after a formal Cabinet nod is taken,” the official said.
This sets to rest speculation on FIIs investments, making life easier for listed media companies like TV Today Network, Television Eighteen and NDTV. In one case, NDTV had to issue an advisory to investors saying FIIs and people of foreign origin and/or non-resident Indians should not deal in NDTV shares on the stock exchange s the limit had been reached.
The government official also said that a note on radio policy has been finalised, which partly takes suggestions from the sector regulator, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India.
Though the bidding process in unlikely to be done away with fully, the official pointed out that a licensing structure would be put in place with the aim to keep the fee at a “reasonable” level.
The I&B ministry has also decided to truly empower the people with community radio by handing over such projects to the community minus cumbersome clearance procedure.
Meanwhile, I&B minister Jaipal Reddy today announced that a roundtable of broadcast industry stakeholders have been called to dwell on various aspects of content regulation, which would be separate from a downlinking policy that had been proposed.
The interaction, slated for later this week, is expected to come out with recommendations for amendments in the existing programming and advertising code, changes that need to be effected in the role and functions of a regulatory body and the nature and scope of codes and standards under the proposed new legislation.
MUMBAI: Game faces on, pressure high India’s gaming ambitions are levelling up. Good Game, billed as the world’s first as-live global gaming reality show, has officially launched in India with a bold mission: to crown the country’s first Global Gaming Superstar.
Blending esports with mainstream entertainment, the show brings together competitive gaming, creativity and on-camera performance in a format that tests more than just joystick skills. Contestants will be judged on gameplay, screen presence and their ability to perform under pressure, reflecting how gaming has evolved from pastime to profession and pop culture currency.
Fronting the show are three high-profile ambassadors: actor and entrepreneur Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Indian cricket star Rishabh Pant, and gaming creator Ujjwal Chaurasia. The winner will take home Rs 1 crore ($100,000) among the largest prize pools for any Indian reality show along with the chance to represent India on a global stage.
Backed by a planned annual investment of up to Rs 100 crore, Good Game is also courting brand partners, promising a minimum reach of 500 million among India’s core youth audience. The creators position the show as a bridge between entertainment and interactive culture, offering long-format content, community engagement and commercial scale.
Auditions are now open to Indian citizens aged 18 and above, inviting amateur and professional gamers, creators and performers alike. Shortlisted candidates will be called for in-person auditions in Mumbai on 14 and 15 February, and in Delhi on 28 February and 1 March 2026.
With big money, big names and even bigger ambition, Good Game signals a shift in how India views gaming not just as play, but as performance, profession and prime-time spectacle.
