16 Dec : After concerns were raised by broadcasters over the government’s move to amend the Copyright Act, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ambika Soni on Wednesday said a meeting between broadcasters and the HRD ministry has been facilitated for an amicable settlement.
“We arranged for a meeting between broadcasters and HRD Minister Kapil Sibal to discuss the issue last week. The meeting was held in an open minded manner. I also received a copy of their (broadcasters) letter where they expressed concern over amendments in the Act. Nothing is final yet, it is an ongoing process and we will settle the issue amicably,” Soni said.Copyright issues fall under the domain of the HRD ministry.
News Broadcasters Association (NBA) and other broadcasters bodies had earlier this month, raised concerns over the government’s proposed move, saying that it would seriously affect broadcasters’ right to fair use of material including broadcast reproduction rights.
They were also of the view that government should take their views into consideration before moving forward with the proposed amendments.
The I&B ministry thus facilitated a dialogue between broadcasters and the HRD ministry with the aim of resolving any potential dispute.