No, the amendment to the Cable TV Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 incorporating conditional access (CAS) is not being introduced in the Lok Sabha (Lower House) today as expected by many in the industry, the date has been set for tomorrow, according to sources.
The note is slated to be circulated among members of Parlimanet to allow them to vote on it tomorrow, reveal sources. Meanwhile, a group of the cable TV trade was expected to meet up with information and broadcasting minister Sushma Swaraj to give the cable TV industry viewpoint once again and clarify any doubts that may have arisen out of the protestations of some broadcasters.

Speaking at Panaji (Goa) yesterday to a leading business daily, Swaraj was quite clear that the government would not budge on CAS, and that she was convinced that it would be beneficial for all as it "would bring the much needed transparency in the system."

She insisted that reports that boxes would cost Rs 7,000-8,000 were totally false and misleading, adding that the actual pricing woul be between Rs 1,500-2,500.

She was also highly critical of the group of broadcasters opposing CAS and asked the reporter from the daily: "Do they not want transparency in viewership?"

Maeil Business TV News (MBN) and CNBC Asia Pacific are today launching a new joint television news service, ‘MBN-CNBC‘, which will beam into more than 4.5 million households broadcasting predominantly Korean-language programming.
MBN-CNBC will blend MBN‘s Korean-focussed news and business programming with CNBC‘s international business and financial programming. MBN-CNBC will also incorporate a live customised ticker from the Korean Stock Exchange. CNBC‘s English-language cable channel will continue to be distributed to 2.2 million households in Korea, with MBN‘s assistance, an official release states. Maeil Business News Group claims to be South Korea‘s leading media conglomerate.

President and publisher of Maeil Business News Group Dr Dae-whan Chang said: "The launch of MBN-CNBC represents an important milestone for MBN. At a time when the global economy continues to face vigorous market changes, our audience is looking for the most up-to-date and continuous coverage of the Korean and international markets with in-depth analysis and expert commentary. The joining together of three major business news services in the region - MBN, CNBC and Dow Jones - means that we will be able to offer the most reliable and influential 24-hour news channel in South Korea.

Acting CEO of CNBC Asia Pacific Shawn Galey said: "MBN-CNBC represents an important step in realising CNBC‘s goal of further increasing its reach and relevance through strategic relationships with leading regional business media companies.