IP Tv, Youtube Channels: They won’t be allowed to air news
Says info minister
Information Minister Hasan Mahmud yesterday said YouTube channels and IP TVs would not be allowed to present news.
They can only be run as entertainment channels, the minister said at a dialogue organised by Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum at the Secretariat.
Hasan said IP TVs can do everything else, but they cannot do the job of providing news for the time being. The decision came from the ministry's regular inter-ministerial meeting.
"We have also invited applications for registration of YouTube channels or IP TVs. They are under investigation. We will start registering them after completion of the preliminary investigation," he said.
The minister said YouTube channels and IP TVs won't be able to provide regular news. "That's why when a television channel gets permission, they are not allowed to broadcast news at the beginning. They need to fulfill some parametres and need to re-apply for the permission. They are then allowed to present news. For now, IP TVs won't be able to provide news."
Asked about the stage of registration of online portals, he said the registration process was underway.
"Many online news portals have already been registered. The rest will be given. The registration process will take several months because we are able to register only after the investigation agency reports. But I hope we will be able to complete most of the registrations this year," Hasan added.