The Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Mrs. Ambika Soni has said that amendment in the Press and Registration of Books Act is needed to cater the phenomenal growth of the Print Media Sector in the backdrop of the liberalisation of the Government policies. Addressing 27th State Information Ministers Conference at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi on Saturday, she said that the existing provisions of the Act are inadequate and needs to be updated the terms of the law according to the prevailing environment governing the Print Media Sector. She said that in order to effectively implement the Act it is important that a statutory provision for circulation verification is incorporated.<br/>Highlighting menace of piracy Mrs. Soni said that reduction in Entertainment Tax rates is need of the hour and her Ministry has made request to the State Governments in this regard. She said that for the electronic media a rationalized tax structure is necessary to help the broadcast and cable services establish new technological platforms and ease the burden on consumers. She said that piracy is a major deterrent for the growth and profitability of the Media and Entertainment sector. She said that digital exhibition of films in cinema theatres also helps in curbing production of pirated CDs/DVDs as the films are released simultaneously in smaller towns. She said that to promote digitalization of films government has provided exemption from service tax to digital cinema operators and distributors.<br/>Referring the introduction of an independent and credible Broadcasting Authority for broadcasting services and a content code she said that perhaps a co-regulation model would be a way forward. She said that her Ministry is of the view that dialogue and consultation could evolve a road map on this issue. <br/>Underlining several issues before information and broadcasting media she said that critical issues such as bringing down the cost of Set Top Boxes, curbing piracy of pay channels, Carriage fees, effective compliance of Cable Act Rules and Regulations needs to be addressed on priority basis.<br/>Addressing the SIMCON the Chairman of Press Council India Justice GN Ray emphasised a need of regulatory authority for electronic media. He said self retrospection is ideal but it always does not work. Advocating for the promotion of regional media he said that there should be liberal attitude in advertisement policy of DAVP towards regional media. He said that core values of the profession must be respected by media. <br/>The lone Chief Minister of Goa participating in conference also emphasised for a statuary regulatory authority for electronic media. He demanded that long pending demand of broadcast of news bulletins in Konkani by Doordarshan from Goa should be fulfilled as soon as possible.<br/>Renowned film director producer Yash Copra also addressed the august gathering. <br/>Several Ministers and officials from state Governments, representatives from film and entertainment industry, senior officials of different media units of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and media representatives from both print and electronic media are participating in this one day conference.