Budget Expectations for the Media Sector:

The advertising and media fraternity airs their views on how the Union Budget 2008 could be more industry-friendly.

Madhukar Kamath, Managing Director & CEO, Mudra Group & President, AAAI: Overall, I look forward to a ‘developmental oriented’ budget with increased investments in the infrastructure sector. Any fillip given to boost consumer spending and encouraging consumption will not do just give the economy a good turn, but will also benefit all of us in the entertainment and media business. Rationalisation in the entertainment tax structure is needed. On a specific note, I look for greater clarity and rationalisation in the service tax norms. On a personal note, a raise in the exemption limit and the removal of surcharge in the personal income domain is my expectation. Ajay Chacko, Director, CNBC TV18 - Business Media : From a media perspective there are very little direct expectations except for some minor tinkering in import duties of set top boxes and broadcast equipments. However, indirectly if there is any change in duties in consumer products then media is effected because the media spend tends to rise. For example, if the duty decreases in automobile sector then the ad spend of automobile companies will increase and this will benefit the media industry directly. Jacob Mathew, Malayala Manorama:The Annual Budget in a developing economy besides driving economic growth directs it to desirable ends. Budget shall encourage safeguarding of civil rights and liberties in the society. The Print Media is in urgent need of fiscal concessions to enable it to grow in tandem with the surging Indian economy. [From Internet]