In a change from the long-standing stance on not increasing FDI limits in print media, the Finance Ministry may now take a view in its favour. According to sources, the industry has been divided on the issue of raising current FDI limits of 26 per cent to 49 per cent. The Ministry is believed to be of the view that current economic situation may justify the move. While several large publishers do not want the FDI cap to be raised to 49 per cent, smaller publishers have been struggling to earn advertising revenues. Currently FDI of 26 per cent is allowed in news and current affair publications, while non-news publications have been allowed 100 per cent FDI. The Government also allows facsimile editions, or exact replicas of international editions.
