New Delhi (PTI): Implementation of conditional access system (CAS) will not affect availability through antenna of all TV channels transmitted terrestrially by Doordarshan, the Rajya Sabha was told on Wednesday.

In a written reply to a question on whether introduction of CAS system will restrict the freedom of viewers, Minister for Information and Broadcasting (I&B) P R Dasmunsi said CAS has provided consumers a choice of channels and they have to pay for only those ones which they watch.

The minister said that as per the notifications issued under Section 8 of Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act 1995, every cable operator is to retransmit the bouquet of DD channels in their network.

Dasmunsi said that in addition to DD channels, cable operators also have to carry one regional DD channel of the state in which they are providing cable network services.

In a written reply to another question, the minister said that there are separate policies for foreign investment in different media.

Dasmunsi said the reason for adopting separate policies is to meet the special requirements of different media like print, broadcasting and films.