New Delhi: Government today (Dec 18, 2003) assured "appropriate action" when a Communist Party of India (Marxist) member alleged in Lok Sabha that Doordarshan (DD) headquarters in Mandi House in Delhi had been taken over by the "media mafia" and time slots were being allotted to those companies which had not paid their dues worth crores of rupees.

"There is a black market of selling slots and there is a clear attempt by some officials to give shelter", to those companies which were yet to pay heavy dues, Hannan Mollah, MP, said during Question Hour.

He also alleged a "nexus" between Prasar Bharati officials and producers saying while one private party had a due of over Rs 21 crore, another had a due of Rs 10.13 crore. But such parties were being given prime-time slots.

Disagreeing with the member on his "general sweeping allegations" against Prasar Bharati officers, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said the report of an enquiry into these allegations against certain private parties in Kolkata Doordarshan had been submitted and the Prasar Bharati was examining it.

"Appropriate action will be taken against such parties," he said.

Prasad said, Prasar Bharati was considering whether to move the Supreme Court to get a stay order got by these producers in Kolkata vacated, even as he was asked why such steps were not taken two years ago when the stay was granted.

PTI