NEW DELHI: The Information and Broadcasting Ministry (I&B Ministry) has forwarded to the Home Ministry, for security clearance, a list of 82 TV channels, teleports and News Agencies whose initial ten-year licenses are expiring.

Last week, the Home Ministry had also agreed to examine all cases of multi-system operators awaiting security clearance to get licences for digital addressable system. I&B Secretary Bimal Julka told Radioandmusic.com that he will also meet concerned officials of the Home Ministry in this regard.

If found suitable, permission will be granted for renewal for an interim period up to 31 December 2015 or till the final decision on your application for renewal of permission is taken, whichever is earlier.

However, TV channels, Teleports and News Agencies and MSOs have been asked to furnish an affidavit to the effect that the company will abide by all the provisions of the latest Uplinking/ Downlinking Guidelines and other relevant instructions/ modifications issued from time to time.

All applicants have been asked to send the information to the I&B Ministry along with the supporting documents at the earliest within five days to enable us to proceed further in the matter. 

Prominent names among music channels whose cases are coming up for renewal include ‘M Tunes HD-Hindi (ETC Hindi)’ and ‘Bhakti Sagar’ (MTunes Tamil)’ of Entertainment Television Network Private Ltd; ‘Music Xpress’ of Lamhas Entertainment Ltd., and ‘Satsang’ by Sanskar Info TV Pvt. Ltd.

They may also enclose the details of Board of Directors (BOD) and latest Share Holding Pattern (SHP) including FDI component, if any, duly accompanied by requisite approval of the Foreign Investments Promotion Board.

The company may also ensure submission of the annual renewal fee for both Uplinking and Downlinking at rates as applicable as per Guidelines and for the period that may be due.