ITV

Category: I&B Ministry

  • MIB issues notice to 69 channels to provide technical parameters with EMMC

    MIB issues notice to 69 channels to provide technical parameters with EMMC

    MUMBAI: Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has issued a notice instructing 69 private satellite channels to provide complete set of technical parameters with Electronic  Media Monitoring Centre (EMMC)  of the ministry. While the notice was issues on 25 September, the channels have been asked to provide necessary details within 15 days.

    “It has been brought to the notice of this ministry that 69 private satellite TV channels permitted by this ministry (list attached) have not shared their technical parameters with Electronic Media Monitoring Centre (EMMC) of this Ministry,” the MIB said in the notice.

    MIB also highlighted in the notice that clause 5.5 of the extant uplinking guidelines mandate broadcasters to provide for the necessary monitoring facility at its own cost  for  monitoring  of  programmes  or  content   by the representatives of  the MIB or any  other  government agency  as  and  when  so required.

    ”Accordingly,  all   the   concerned    broadcaster    companies  are   required   to   provide complete  set of technical  parameters I Cam Module I VC Card (for pay channel)  in respect of their permitted  TV channel(s) to EMMC  for content  acquisition purpose  positively  within  15 days  of  issue  of  this  notice,  failing  which  action  shall  be initiated  in accordance with  the uplinking  guidelines, 2011,” the ministry stated.

  • I&B Minister asks broadcasters to make shows accessible to the hearing-impaired

    I&B Minister asks broadcasters to make shows accessible to the hearing-impaired

    MUMBAI: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has announced the implementation of accessibility standard for TV programmes for persons with hearing impairment from 16 September 2019.

    I&B minister Prakash Javadekar announced that all news channels will carry a news bulletin with sign language interpretation at least once per day and all TV channels and service providers will run at least one programme per week with subtitles / captioning.

    The overall implementation of the standards will be done in a phase-wise manner in the next five years. The government will review the policy after two years.

    The announcement was made in order to enhance the accessibility of television programmes for the hearing impaired which will be done through the provision of captioning and Indian Sign Language.

    Live news, live and deferred live content/events such as sports, live music shows, award shows, live reality shows, live debates, scripted/ unscripted reality shows, etc. and advertisements/ teleshopping content have been exempted.

    Javadekar also announced that accessibility standards for films for visually impaired through provision of narration facility in between dialogues are also under examination.

  • MIB’s inter-ministerial committee considers TRAI recommendations on monopoly of cable TV services

    MIB’s inter-ministerial committee considers TRAI recommendations on monopoly of cable TV services

    MUMBAI: In the face of rising dominance of certain multi system operators (MSOs) and local cable operators (LCOs) in several states, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) had released recommendations on “Monopoly/Market dominance in Cable TV services” back in 2013. The regulatory body was requested by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) to provide its recommendations on this issue. Presently, the recommendations have been considered by MIB.

    Indian National Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari sought a response from MIB about status of the regulatory body’s recommendations, monopoly in cable TV services, reasons behind the government making recommendations to Competitions Commission of India (CCI)and whether this violated the TRAI act and also if the government agrees with TRAI on curbing monopolies.

    One of the TRAI recommendations included Herfindahl– Hirschman Index (HHI) to be used for measuring the level of competition or market concentration in a relevant market. Tewari also asked if the government has an issue with the recommendation while MIB responded that it has also been considered by the committee.

    MIB in its response also said that the acceptance of the recommendations have multi-dimensional implications, which requires consultation with various stakeholders. Moreover, it has also been added that no recommendation has been made to CCI in regards to that.

  • Cabinet approves 26 per cent FDI in digital media

    Cabinet approves 26 per cent FDI in digital media

    MUMBAI: As the cabinet government amended the foreign direct investment (FDI) policy, it has also given the nod to 26 per cent overseas investment in digital media with government approval.

    "The extant FDI policy provides for 49 per cent FDI under approval route in up-linking of ''news & current affairs'' TV channels. It has been decided to permit 26 per cent FDI under government route for uploading/streaming of news and current affairs through digital media, on the lines of print media," an official statement said.

    While the FDI policy has not touched digital media for a long time, the cap has been introduced along the lines of print media where 26 per cent FDI is allowed through government approval route.

    “The scope of the impact will be determined by the wording of the provision in the FDI policy. News and current affairs are present on social media platforms, on digital platforms that are subsidiaries of foreign brands etc. How would you differentiate between TV channels which have 49 per cent and their online streams, which will effectively have 26 per cent?” Eros International group chief marketing officer Manav Sethi commented.

    The previous time when FDI norms in media were relaxed was in November 2015 to attract overseas funds. The FDI limit in news channels and private FM radio was raised to 49 per cent,up from 26 per cent, while 100 per cent foreign investment was allowed in entertainment channels.

    “FDI in digital media is a welcome development. Clarity around this fast-growing segment of the media industry will act as an enabler for capital infusion. Significant value will be unlocked going forward,” Deloitte partner Jehil Thakkar commented.

  • Ferozeshah Kotla to be renamed as Arun Jaitley Stadium

    Ferozeshah Kotla to be renamed as Arun Jaitley Stadium

    MUMBAI: In a fitting tribute to its former president Arun Jaitley, the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA) has decided to name the Stadium after him. DDCA President Rajat Sharma said Stadium will be called Arun Jaitely Stadium. Ground will remain as Ferozeshah Kotla Ground. Mr Jaitley, who passed away on August 24, was president of the DDCA from 1999 to 2013.

    The renaming of Delhi’s famous cricket venue as Arun Jaitley Stadium will take place on September 12 at a function where a Stand of the Kotla ground will be named after India captain Virat Kohli as announced earlier.

    Speaking on this initiative, DDCA president Rajat Sharma said: "What can be better to have the stadium named after the man who got it rebuilt under his presidentship. It was Arun Jaitley’s support and encouragement that players like Virat Kohli, Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Ashish Nehra, Rishabh Pant and many others could make India proud."

    Mr Jaitley, during his tenure at the Kotla, is credited with renovating this stadium into a modern infrastructure, increasing it capacity to help more fans get an opportunity to watch their favourite cricketers in action besides constructing world class dressing rooms and other cricketing facilities

    The function, to be held at the Weightlifting Auditorium, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, will be graced by the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the chief guest, and Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Kiren Rijiju, the guest of honour.

  • IBF saddened by the untimely demise of Arun Jaitley

    IBF saddened by the untimely demise of Arun Jaitley

    New Delhi: IBF (Indian Broadcasting Foundation), India’s apex body of television broadcasters is shocked and saddened by the untimely demise of Shri Arun Jaitley, former Finance Minister and MP. IBF President, NP Singh has expressed profound grief and sorrow on his death and called the loss to the country 'irreparable'. NP Singh adds that, "He will be remembered as a statesman and parliamentarian par excellence and a champion of free speech. We are deeply saddened by his sudden demise".

    IBF salutes the statesmanship of Shri Arun Jaitley and acknowledges his immense contribution to the industry when he held the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting portfolio in the Modi government.

    IBF believes that the vacuum caused by Shri Jaitley's death will be hard to fill and expresses its deepest condolences to the bereaved family
     

  • Arun Jaitley’s portfolio as I&B minister had many gems

    Arun Jaitley’s portfolio as I&B minister had many gems

    MUMBAI: Former union minister and one of the most senior and popular BJP veterans, Arun Jaitley died earlier this morning. He was undergoing treatment at AIIMS Delhi for the past several weeks.

    A lawyer by profession, Jaitley had quite a prolific career as a politician as well. He held several posts in the union ministry under the BJP government, including minister of information and broadcasting, minister of law, justice, and company affairs & shipping, and minister finance.

    The veteran will be remembered as a strong politician and policymaker for his contribution to the ministry of finance as well, which he led in the previous Modi government. The stalwart was lauded by the cable television industry when he exempted custom duty in several parts and components of electronic equipment including set-top boxes (STBs) for television or the internet, thus boosting the digitisation process for the TV industry.

    In his term as the union minister of information and broadcasting between November 2014 and July 2016, Jaitley was responsible for many important government initiatives, including phase III of FM auctions, new business policy for publications divisions 2016, setting up of Film Facilitation Office (FFO), and introducing revised guidelines for advertisements in print and on websites.

    The FFO, which acts as a single-window facilitation and clearance mechanism for filmmakers, was constituted with a view to promote and facilitate film shootings by foreign filmmakers in India. The services rendered by the FFO were later extended to Indian filmmakers as well. The body also gives out ‘Most Film Friendly State’ awards every year with the aim of promoting India as a filmmaking destination.

    Under his leadership, a new business policy for Publications Division with the objective to streamline business practices in line with the contemporary trends prevailing in publications industry was also set up. One of the key highlights of the policy included promoting online readership by pricing the digital version of the publication at 75 per cent the price of printed version.

    Jaitley also worked on promoting transparency and accountability in advertisement policies. The new print media advertisement policy introduced incentives for the newspapers who have better professional standing and get their circulation verified by ABC/ RNI among other important measures taken to streamline the print advertising paradigm.

    He also focussed greatly on the growth of the digital ecosystem within the country during his tenure and revised the web advertising policy as well.

  • Sushma Swaraj will be remembered as one of the most efficient I&B ministers of India

    Sushma Swaraj will be remembered as one of the most efficient I&B ministers of India

    MUMBAI: It was a sad day for Indian politics, yesterday, as one of the most vibrant politicians of her time succumbed to a heart attack. Senior BJP leader Sushma Swaraj will be remembered as one of the greatest orators and one of the most efficient Minister of External Affairs that the Union of India has had. Her presence on Twitter during her tenure as MEA in the previous government had also got her a lot of praise.

    But Swaraj, before becoming the MEA in the 2014-2019 government had a very interesting political career, and her role as Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting (I&B), between 2000 and 2003, will remain one of the key highlights of it.

    One of her biggest achievements as I&B minister was passing of (Conditional Access System) CAS Bill in 2002, which made it mandatory for consumers to install a set-top box allowing them to pay for only those channels that they want to watch. The maximum price for the basic tier of service comprising free-to-air channels would be determined by the government under the bill.

    Also, it was under her tenure as I&B minister that the Indian entertainment sector, including films, was declared as an industry, making it eligible to get loans from financial institutions.

    She also actively batted for the introduction of FDI in Indian publications, which none of her predecessors spoke of after it was banned in 1955. She had said in the year 2002 that with the introduction of the internet, the government is planning to look into the matter.

    Swaraj had also held the post of Minister of Information, Broadcasting, and Telecommunications for a short term between March 1998 and October 1998.

    She breathed her last in national capital Delhi on 6 August following a cardiac arrest.

  • MIB says pending applications for MSO registration under consideration

    MIB says pending applications for MSO registration under consideration

    MUMBAI: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has informed that the issue of pending applications for MSO registration is under consideration.

    MIB informed that that the 50th Open House Meeting for the month of July 2019 was held on 22 July with the representatives of the MSO applicants. Representatives of the five MSO  applicants participated in the meeting to ascertain the status of their application  for  grant of registration.

    The list of the applicants present in the meeting:

    S.No.

    Applicant Name

    Cable  Network Name

    1.

    Sh. Shiv Prakash Timmarpur

    Mls Hira Cable Network

    2.

    Sh. Aman Rastogi

    M Is Sri  Sarvana Cable Vision

    3.

    Sh. Narender Bagri

    M Is ALCOA Digital Pvt.  Ltd.

    4.

    Sh. Diwaker Thareja

    President Cable Operator Association

    5.

    Sh. Ramchander

    Mls Shiv Cable Network
  • Doordarshan to hire creative head; installs video walls for Rs 10.75 cr

    Doordarshan to hire creative head; installs video walls for Rs 10.75 cr

    MUMBAI: Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar inaugurated Video Walls in all eight Doordarshan Studios and Earth Station at DD Kendra, Delhi on Thursday.

    Speaking on the occasion,  Javadekar highlighted the significance of the video walls in enhancing viewer experience. He said that under the three year Action Plan of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, support has been given to Doordarshan to modernise its infrastructure.  Addition of state of art video walls and spectrum efficient satellite equipment, is a step in the direction of revamping the Public Service Broadcaster.

    Appreciating the role of Doordarshan, he stated that the channel is synonymous with credibility. He asked the officials present to work towards expanding the spread of DD Free Dish from the current 3.25 crore households to 5 crore households. On this occasion, he also announced that a creative head will soon be brought in for DD to give a further boost to programming and high quality content creation.

    Ministry of Information and Broadcasting secretary Amit Khare said that the government is committed to support Doordarshan and All India Radio in every possible way to ensure that the public service broadcaster is able to provide services of contemporary industry standards, reaching out to every nook and corner of India.

    Prasar Bharati chairman A Surya Prakash lauded the efforts of Doordarshan and highlighted that in the recent past a number of impactful and meaningful programmes have been created, which have taken the flagship schemes of the government to the door steps of people.

    The state-of-art video walls, installed at a cost of Rs 10.75 crore under the three year Action Plan of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, are at par with those in studio centres of leading international broadcasters. The induction of video walls will save a lot of time in physical erection of sets. Further, it will give greater flexibility through dynamic change of  backdrop by introducing live/recorded videos, graphics etc. in studio sets as per program requirement.

    The Earth Station, which is based on spectrum efficient technology, will result in increasing capacity to almost double the number of channels in the same bandwidth. The new Earth Station is HD capable and can give all the national channels of DD in HD. This state of art Earth Station will enable DD to save cost on teleport of DD channels and also allow inclusion of new channels in DD bouquet.

    The satellite uplink facility of 9 channels of DDK Delhi, also called as Earth Station was commissioned in 2007. The technology available those days was not spectrum efficient and the compression technique used earlier was MPEG-2 in DVB-S format which resulted in spectrum utilisation of approx. 4 MHz per channel.

    In order to replace the old outdated and obsolete equipment and also save precious spectrum, the compression chain of the Earth Station is now replaced with state of art new equipment which uses MPEG-4 compression and DVBS-2 standards resulting into reducing bandwidth requirement per channel to half i.e. 2 MHz per channel.This spectrum efficient technology will result in increasing capacity of the Earth Station to almost double the number of channels in the same bandwidth.