(a) the number of newspapers and magazines being published in the country at present by foreign entities under full or partial ownership along with the details of their names, location of publication and names of publishers;
(b) the limit of Foreign Direct Investment in foreign newspapers and magazines; and
(c) the measures taken by the Government to protect local newspapers and magazines from dominance of foreign newspapers and magazines?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING
[COL RAJYAVARDHAN RATHORE (Retd.)]
(a): As per Government’s policy, the publication of Facsimile editions of foreign newspapers, in whole or in part(s) is allowed by Indian entities with or without foreign investment and also by foreign companies owing the original newspaper, provided that they get incorporated and registered in India under Companies Act, 1956. The list of 17 Indian editions of foreign magazines registered with Registrar of Newspapers for India (RNI), Ministry of Information & Broadcasting is annexed.
(b): As per the existing policy for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in print media, foreign investment upto 26% of the capital is allowed to the Indian companies publishing newspapers and periodicals/magazines dealing with news and current affairs. The Government has allowed Indian publishing companies to bring out facsimile editions of foreign newspapers and 26% FDI is allowed in such cases. The foreign publishing house who owns the foreign newspaper is also allowed to bring out the facsimile edition of the foreign newspaper through its wholly-owned Indian subsidiary. FDI upto 100% is allowed in Indian entities publishing scientific/technical/specialty magazines.
(c): The policy measures including limited FDI in the news and current affairs sector of the Print media, taken by the Government protect the interests of local newspapers and magazines.