Governed by business interests, Indian media barons are sharply divided over the question of allowing foreign players into the print media. Interestingly, while giant national houses like 'The Times of India', 'Indian Express' and 'The Hindustan Times' are ranged against the entry of overseas giants, the likes of Ramoji Rao of the regional Eenadu group, which has interests in both print and TV, are firmly in favour of letting global publications in.
BENNETT COLEMAN & CO: The publishers of 'The Times of India' have been running a sustained campaign against Murdoch. What may be chafing them is the buzz that Murdoch is targeting several Jain editors for hiring.
LIVING MEDIA: Aroon Purie of 'India Today' is all for the entry of foreign players. Having sewn up a printing and publishing deal with 'Time' magazine, he is awaiting the go-ahead from the Indian Government.
ANANDA BAZAR: Aveek Sarkar's plans for 'Business Standard', fuelled by a tie-up with London's 'Financial Times', have run aground as the Government has dithered. Understandably, he is pro-entry.
HINDUSTAN TIMES: The group has launched a TV channel in collaboration with Pearson and Carlton Communications, but it is known to be opposed to the entry of foreign players into the print media.
