News broadcasters seek parity in GST with print media

The executive body of News Broadcasters Federation (NBF) has met Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman to propose a recommendation to treat TV News channels at par with the print industry under GST. 

 

In the current scenario, the GST applicable on the print media stands at 5% whereas the news broadcasters are charged 18% GST.

 

Arnab Goswami, president of NBF Board, highlighted the need for parity given the similarity in the business model and the importance of TV news broadcasting in the country. The Finance Minister accepted a copy of the recommendation of NBF and assured the members that she would investigate the matter.

 

The NBF was represented in the meeting by Goswami, the vice presidents, Jagi M Panda and Sanjive Narain, and the secretary-general, R Jai Krishna.