The information and broadcasting ministry is looking at reviewing the policy regarding the functioning of foreign news agencies in the country. It has sought suggestions on the continuation or modification of the policy.
The existing policy is governed by a Cabinet decision of 1956, which is also based on the recommendations of the First Press Commission.
According to the Cabinet decision, communication facilities will be granted to foreign news agencies having a tie-up with a domestic agency.
As per the existing policy, the full and final authority in the selection of foreign news for distribution will be with an Indian agency, which will also be in a position to supply local news in a reasonable volume to foreign news agencies with which it has a working arrangement.
This decision has been the yardstick for examining requests of foreign news agencies to operate in India.
However, foreign news agencies are allowed direct distribution of financial news to selected clients for their own use and not for further reproduction and publication.
"The government wanted to have a relook at the working of news agencies in the country. The sector has developed, and new communication technologies have come in. We are looking at enabling this sector further," a senior information and broadcasting official said.
Information and broadcasting ministry sources said the decision to review the policy was taken in the face of changing technologies in communication from telegraph to computerisation.
However, they did not give details as to whether the government planned to allow foreign news agencies to distribute news directly without going though an Indian news agency, or a limited foreign direct investment on the lines of the print media.