Broadcasters seek access to US mkt

New Delhi: India's fast growing broadcasting industry is exploring business prospects in the US market. According to sources, several Indian companies are lobbying with the Indian government to open dialogue with the US for access to American market. 

    On November 4 and 5, a meeting of the Indo-US ICT group will be held in Washington to discuss, among other things, the barriers facing Indian broadcasters in accessing the US market. 
    A large delegation of Indian companies headed by senior officials from the ministry of information and broadcasting will participate in discussions with the US department of state, department of commerce and other institutions, such as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). 
    It is likely that following these meetings in Washington, many companies will disclose their entry plans for the US market. Trade barriers in starting broadcasting operations in the US will be subject to specific discussion during these meetings. An exchange of documents has already taken place to have a better understanding of the problems and issues of Indian broadcasters as well as a better appreciation of the US law applicable to broadcasting activities. 
    Indian broadcasters also made a detailed presentation in the last round of discussions citing various provisions in the US Communication Act that need to be revisited. 
    The American government has clarified that the US markets are completely open, free from any trade barriers, and welcome Indian broadcasters to start operations. It has emphasised that the US market is open for both distribution of programming and installation of infrastructure. The US government has pointed out that the only restrictions are on free-to-air broadcast (ABC, NBC, FOX etc). All other platforms are completely liberalised. 
    India has a large expat population in the US, which has significant interest in Indian content. Indian programming is widely available on numerous platforms, including DTH and cable.