The 27th Biennial Conference of State and Union Territories' Ministers of Information and Broadcasting concluded on Saturday evening in New Delhi.<br/>In the conference several issues related to print and electronic media and entertainment industry including Amendments proposed in the Press and Registration of Books Act, measures to combat piracy of Films, Entertainment Tax Rates, Broadcasting Services Bill and Digitalisation of Cable Sector were discussed at length.<br/><br/>Earlier inaugurating the conference the Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mrs. Ambika Soni invited suggestion from the States’ representatives for setting up regulatory authority for electronic media. She said that while self regulation is ideal, it needs to be considered whether this will fully and successfully serve the purpose and meet all concerns of society at large.<br/><br/>Mrs.Ambika Soni pointed out that bringing about amendments to the Press and Registration of Books Act by March 2010 is high on the agenda of her ministry. She said the existing provisions of the Act are inadequate to cater to the phenomenal growth of the Print Media Sector in the backdrop of the liberalization of Government policies.<br/><br/>Highlighting the menace of Piracy to the Media and Entertainment sector she said that if loss of revenue caused by piracy is plugged, there would be more resources available to fund new ideas, innovations and projects. She also emphasized reduction in Entertainment Tax rates and said that Digital exhibition of films in cinema theatres can help in curbing production of pirated CDs and DVDs.<br/><br/>Addressing the Conference, the Chairman Press Council of India, Justice G N Ray urged the media to ensure the respect of core values in profession.<br/>Film industry representatives Yash Chopra and Kamal Hasan expressed concerns about the high incidence of entertainment tax and the menace of piracy affecting the industry adversely.<br/>The conference was attended by several dignitaries including Goa Chief Minister Digambar V. Kamat, Ministers of State for Information and Broadcasting, Mr. Choudhury Mohan Jatua, Dr.S.Jagatrakshakan and Information Ministers of 15 states. Besides official representatives from 31 States and several media heads of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting participated in the one day conference.<br/>