Posted on 2009-07-15
KATHMANDU: The government has decided to continue with the decision of the previous government to waive license renewal fees for television channels and FM radio stations operating across the country, according to Minister for Information and Communications Shankar Pokhrel. A Cabinet meeting -- which also passed the new annual budget tabled by the finance minister before the special Parliamentary session later on Monday -- decided in favour of the budding Nepalese electronic media considering the "critical times" they are going through.
This is the second consecutive year the electronic media have been granted renewal fee waiver.
The government has, however, denied a complete lift on the royalty charged to the broadcasters. FM and television broadcasters were also demanding a total lift on the two percent royalty charge from their total income. The previous Maoist-led government had reduced the royalty percentage from four to two.
Despite some disappointment over the government decision to keep intact the royalty fee, broadcasters have lauded the renewal fee waiver. "We have taken the government move as a positive step.
|
