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Category: I&B Ministry

  • Supreme Court questions MIB’s digital chatter monitoring proposal

    Supreme Court questions MIB’s digital chatter monitoring proposal

    NEW DELHI: The government proposes, Supreme Court disposes. Well, almost. Not fully yet. Though, the apex court has questioned a Ministry of Information and Broadcasting proposal to monitor digital chatter and online footprint, observing today that if done it would be “like creating a surveillance state”.

    The top court said the government wants to tap citizens’ WhatsApp messages and sought its response within two weeks, according to a report filed by Press Trust of India.

    A bench of Chief Justice Dipak Misra and Justices A M Khanwilkar and D Y Chandrachud issued notice to the federal government on a plea by Trinamool Congress (TMC) legislator Mahua Moitra and sought Attorney General K K Venugopal’s assistance in the matter.

    “The government wants to tap citizens’ WhatsApp messages. It will be like creating a surveillance state,” the bench was quoted by PTI as having said earlier in the day.

    The bench then said it was listing the matter on 3 August 2018, before the opening of the tender on 20 August 2018 for the proposed monitoring cell. The attorney-general or any law officer for the government will assist the court in the matter. As reported by Indiantelevision.com earlier, the project’s deadline has already been extended several times.

     The project being undertaken under a seemingly harmless name of Social Media Communications Hub, however, has aims to monitor in real times not only the social media and online activities of Indian citizens, but also seeks to deploy technology to predict behavior and possible future actions of people. This, at a time when India doesn’t have strong data protection laws.

    Amongst the many listed objectives of the media hub is this: “What would be the headlines and breaking news of various channels and newspapers across the globe— could be done with knowledge about their leanings, business deals, investors, their country policies, sentiment of their population, past trends etc. NYT, Economist, Time etc. are good examples, what would be the global public perception due to such headlines and breaking news, how could the public perception be moulded in positive manner for the country, how could nationalistic feelings be inculcated in the masses, how can the perception management of India be improved at the world for a how could the media blitzkrieg of India’s adversaries be predicted and replied/neutralized, how could the social media and internet news/discussions be given a positive slant for India.”

    One of the many critics of this project is the Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF), which has also sent a notice to the MIB to stop the project, failing which the organization would take legal action. Its concerns? “Social Media Communication Hub will also have the ability to broadcast content without any legal authority or guidance through 20 central and 716 district level social media executives. In sum, this is a system of control through surveillance and a capacity to spread propaganda,” the Foundation had said in an online campaign last month.

    Meanwhile returning to the Supreme Court, earlier on 18 June 2018 the court had refused to accord urgent hearing on the TMC member’s plea seeking to stay a central government move to set up a ‘Social Media Communication Hub’ that would collect and analyse digital and social media content.

    The counsel for Moitra had said that the government is trying to monitor social media content of individuals by tracking their social media accounts such as those on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, and their e-mails.

    Broadcast Engineering Consultants India Limited (BECIL), an organization under the umbrella of MIB had floated a tender to supply a software for the project. When the idea was first mooted Smriti Irani was the MIB Minister.

    “A technology platform is needed to collect digital media chatter from all core social media platforms as well as digital platforms such as news, blogs… In a single system providing real-time insights, metrics and other valuable data,” the tender document elaborated.

    Under the project, media persons would be employed on contractual basis in each district to be the “eyes and ears” of the government and provide real-time updates from the ground — one of the reason for extending the deadline as this condition, missing in the original tender document, got added later.

  • Comment: Why it’s important for Rathore at MIB to walk the (sports) talk

    Comment: Why it’s important for Rathore at MIB to walk the (sports) talk

    He may have started the #HumFitToh IndiaFit campaign that went viral on social media last month and had celebs and plebs posting images of their health routine. He may also be a comparatively low-profile minister in the PM Modi cabinet who has delivered on various fronts, including being proactive on issues relating to sports. But Minister of Information & Broadcasting and Youth Affairs & Sports Rajyavardhan Rathore now needs to bring his Olympian attitude-to-succeed and political astuteness to marry the various causes his two ministries espouse.

    Though he has been around at MIB for some years now, acting as a junior to more high-profile ministers like Arun Jaitley and Smriti Irani, Rathore’s rise at MIB has lot to do with his success as minister of Youth Affairs and Sports. And, India’s broadcast and entertainment industry, still reeling under the after-effects of a slow economy and some economic policy decisions taken by the federal government, believed they may have found a messiah in Rathore when he was given independent charge of MIB a couple of months back. The arrival in the ministry of a new Secretary (Amit Khare) raised hopes further of removal of many artificial roadblocks created by the previous regime.

    Many of the earlier and controversial moves by the Ministry, headed by former TV actress-turned-politician Smriti Irani had the broadcast industry, especially, in a bind and hindered unencumbered growth and expansion. Policy decisions like introduction of hiked processing fees, new classification of `regional’ channels, unofficially nudging TV channels and teleport operators to move operations from foreign to Indian satellites, centralization of regular approval processes, etc. sent the industry into a tailspin.

    What was intriguing that though justified by the former minister and some bureaucrats, such moves in the MIB flew in the face of the present BJP-led government and PM Modi’s repeated assertions that India was taking policy steps to improve the country’s global ranking in the `Ease of Doing Business’ index. So much so that the Prime Minister’s Office  had to intervene and order a rollback of a MIB decision under Irani on online content and fake news.

    Col. (retd.) Rathore as both the Sports and MIB Minister has all the powers at his command to take right steps for the development of sports culture in the country that has produced only a handful of Olympian medalists in individual sports — he himself shot at a silver medal successfully. He has proved his determination in revamping school games with the successful conduct of `Khelo India’ (Play India), which is a holistic approach to prepare athletes from schools to Olympics.  It is aimed at achieving the twin objectives of mass participation and promotion of excellence in sports through competition on ground and slick packaging through TV sports channels to give the much needed exposure to emerging Indian talents in the sporting arena.

    However, some critics have questioned his commitment to promote sports through media as despite being the Sports Minister, he didn’t protest when his senior at MIB  introduced in December 2017 a whopping Rs.100,000 as processing fee for channels telecasting live sporting events.

    Given the fact that for the first time he has freedom and a free run to integrate promotion of sports with industry-friendly media policies, it is hoped that he uses the time wisely and work to fulfil the Prime Minister’s ambitious goal of making India both a global media and entertainment hub, and a sporting power.

    The lifeline of a sports channel is to have at least three or four live sports properties in a day and channels like Star Sports and Sony-ESPN excel in such a lineup. But a high processing fee per channel per day for live telecasting sporting events could soon make such business decisions unviable for sports channels; especially when they not only invest in telecast rights, but also building up properties from the scratch — Pro Kabaddi League, Pro Wrestling League and Ultimate Table Tennis are prime examples of this model. High fees, which also include temporary uplinking costs incurred on government permissions and technologies, not only put heavy burden on sports channels but also act as a dis-incentive to invest in other non-cricket and emerging sports like badminton, table tennis, weightlifting, boxing, basketball, gymnastics, football and athletics.

    Unlike in developed countries, the governing bodies in India that are running these non-cricket sports mostly survive on government grants and fail to attract major sponsors or TV channels as partners for promotional activities. Some of the recent policy decisions of MIB (in the form of high processing fee and creation of artificial barriers) have further disincentivized TV sports channels in joining hands with sports federations to showcase sporting competitions with a view to give a platform to emerging talents and bring more audience to the television screens and also on the ground.  

    If the government — and the MIB —believes that those managing and telecasting games like cricket can afford to pay the high processing fees and, thus, should be taxed is an argument that’s flawed. It is like in aiming to punish a high performer — also admittedly a bit controversial —for its success, the government has, in reality, managed to end up pushing those low-profile but potential target-sports further down. Controversies and opaqueness notwithstanding, it cannot be wished away that India’s cricket administrative body BCCI has successfully managed to promote the game in India and abroad with resounding success — and in turn making the country a global force to reckon with.

    Even the sector regulator, TRAI, had opposed formally introduction by MIB of processing fee for live telecast by non-news and current affairs TV channels and questioned the government as why such a step was taken without due consultation process. Now that the regulator has come out with some progressive recommendations relating to Ease of Doing Business in the Broadcast sector and issues relating to uplink and downlink of TV channels, instead of acting on those suggestions, another move has upset the industry — a recent MIB reference to the regulator to study the matter of temporary uplinking has not gone down too well with the industry that was hoping some respite under Rathore at MIB.

    The Sports Minister, who is also the MIB Minister, has a rare opportunity to showcase his talent — to promote sports in India through mass media by easing regulations and lessening the burden on the broadcast sector through administrative reforms, which will very well be in line with PM Modi’s vision. Khelega nahin India, toh champion kaise banega India (If India doesn’t play and gets a chance to showcase talent, how would champs be created)?

  • ISRO/DoS relent on use of foreign satellites; MIB starts processing applications

    ISRO/DoS relent on use of foreign satellites; MIB starts processing applications

    MUMBAI: India’s Department of Space, overseeing the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has eased up on its hitherto hard stance on Indian TV channels and teleports using foreign satellites’ capacity — if the Indian customer has a long-term contract.

    In a communication to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), DoS/ISRO combine has advised that applications may be processed — for the time being — without insistence on migration to an Indian satellite or asking the time frame for doing it. 

    According to government sources, it has been suggested to MIB that it could start granting permissions to TV channels proposing to use foreign satellites for uplinking purpose if they are going in for a contract of three years or more. If an applicant company, having existing government permissions, has long-term capacity contract on foreign satellites, it too should be allowed to continue with its services.

    However, there’s a caveat to ISRO/DoS’ latest softening of stance. Any company that has existing permission from MIB to start a TV channel or communications service (like teleports) and is using foreign satellites should give the Indian space agency at least three-month notice for space on an Indian satellite when its contract with a foreign satco is ending. Same holds true for all fresh permissions for TV channels given by the government.

    The DoS/ISRO communication referred to over 35 applications that were kept pending by MIB as Department of Space had been insisting on migration to Indians satellites. MIB had also issued letters earlier this year asking companies seeking name change, for example, as to when they proposed to shift to an Indian satellite. Out of these cases highlighted by ISRO/DoS, at least 10 have long-term contracts for capacity on foreign satellites.

    Last month MIB cleared applications of three new TV channels in Indian languages under Aastha brand name. The Aastha channels are owned by a company controlled by Balkrishna, a close associate of yoga-guru-turned-entrepreneur Ramdev who’s Patanjali FMCG venture is giving even multinational companies sleepless nights, if revenues and sales growth are to be believed.

    Government nods recently were also given for name and logo change to some big broadcasting companies. Incidentally, some of the Aastha TV channels use foreign satellites for uplinking activity.

    In recent times, ISRO has been facing minor setbacks regarding launch of communications satellites, including Gsat-11, which returned to India just few days before launch from a European launchpad. 

    Still, it needs to be seen how long the government continues allowing Indian customers facilities of foreign satellites.

    MIB Expands Areas for Online Applications

    In a new advisory put out yesterday, MIB has expanded the services for which applications could be made online, something that the government has been insisting on in an effort to reduce processing time.

    The online module for submitting applications on www.broadcastseva.gov.in extends to cases relating to change in details of a company, annual permission fee for teleport companies and company-specific changes being sought to be made by teleports.

    The government has also reiterated an earlier stand of accepting online payments for various processing and annual permission fee, adding such payments should be made on time failing which action could be taken against companies concerned under existing regulations.

    Also Read :

    MIB clears TV channel applications; Rathore calls for stakeholder meets

    MIB, DoS nudge TV channel to use Indian satellites

    MIB says ISRO upping capacity to facilitate migration from foreign satellites

    Comment: 3 areas that new MIB minister Rathore needs to target

  • RS Prasad launches Wi-Fi choupal project

    RS Prasad launches Wi-Fi choupal project

    NEW DELHI: The Indian government on Monday said that 5,000 villages would be turned into digital villages where Internet services would be offered the Wi-Fi Choupal project, which would go a long in empowering people as also expose them to a host of e-governance and entertainment services.  

    “Delighted to launch 5000 Wi-Fi choupal services. People in these villages will be able to use high speed public WiFi at low cost, Minister of Electronics and Information Technology Ravi Shankar Prasad said in a tweet yesterday flagging off a host of digital initiatives being developed by the government using the ambitious Bharat Net optical fiber that promises to connect all villages in India.

    “We all know about the person who worked as coolie (porter) at a Railway Station in Kerala (and) who cleared state Public Service Commission exam by using Rail WiFi. I will be happy if such inspiring stories through use of @wifichoupal also come to our notice in future,” Prasad said another tweet.

    Department of Telecoms Secretary Aruna Sundararajan said the digitization of villages will not only create a common services centers, which can develop into a powerful content delivery network, but rural India will benefit from technology advancement and the BharatNet project. The infrastructure created under Wi-Fi choupal will be a “national asset” that will be accessible to various service providers. 

    Choupal can be described in English as a common meeting place for people in villages.

  • MIB & Prasar Bharati make up, sign agreement on funds’ release

    MIB & Prasar Bharati make up, sign agreement on funds’ release

    NEW DELHI: After lot of heartburning and media statements, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Ministry and Prasar Bharati, which runs Doordarshan and All India Radio (AIR), have inked an agreement that was required for the release of financial allocation to the pubcaster, PTI reported today quoting an unnamed source.

    The agreement or the memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the broadcaster and the ministry in the last week of May, the source added.

    Autonomous bodies getting grants-in-aid from the government are required to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the ministry concerned for the release of the financial allocations made in the Union Budget by the federal government.

    Besides Prasar Bharati, MIB has also signed MoUs with the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) and Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute in the last week of May, the source added.

    In April, the ministry released Rs 365 crore (Rs. 3,650 million) to Prasar Bharati after it signed the MoU following months of standoff between the two sides on various contentious issues during the time when Smriti Irani was the senior minister. Subsequently she was shifted out of the ministry.

    The ministry releases an amount of around Rs 200 crore (Rs. 2 billion) to Prasar Bharati every month and a major share of it goes to payment of salaries.

    The MIB had earlier released Rs 1,989 crore (Rs. 19.89 billion) to Prasar Bharati as grants-in-aid for payment of salaries to its employees.

    In early March, Prasar Bharati CEO S S Vempati, in response to media reports, had said that Rs 208 crore released by the public broadcaster towards payment of salaries to its staff on 28 February 2018 were from its own reserves.

    Reacting to the news report, the ministry had issued a statement saying that the Prasar Bharati had not signed an MoU as required by autonomous bodies for getting grants-in-aid.

    Also Read:

    MIB calls for ‘fiscal prudence’ in Prasar Bharati

    Prasar Bharati’s policy on DD Free Dish to be out soon

    Prasar Bharati’s main role is of pubcaster, not revenue generator, says Rathore

  • MIB social media monitoring cell tender deadline extended

    MIB social media monitoring cell tender deadline extended

    NEW DELHI: The Big Brother has arrived? Well the Indian government, being accused of proposing to unleash a surveillance of citizens, has gone in for another extension of the deadline seeking vendors for technical and logistics help to set up such a center.

    The new date for submitting proposals for Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB)’s Social Media Communications Hub is now 18 June 2018, which is the third revision of the deadline since tender was floated earlier this year inviting proposals, enumerating wide-ranging deliverables.

    Under criticism from a section of the civil society and online journalists and activists for this proposed over Rs. 400 million surveillance project, both MIB and BECIL (a unit under the ministry) have maintained a stoic silence.

    The project, first reported by Indiantelevision.com in January 2018 and being undertaken under a seemingly harmless name of Social Media Communications Hub, however, has aims to monitor in real times not only the social media and online activities of Indian citizens, but also seeks to deploy technology to predict behavior and possible future actions of people. This, at a time when India doesn’t have strong data protection laws.

    Amongst the many listed objectives of the media hub is this: “What would be the headlines and breaking news of various channels and newspapers across the globe— could be done with knowledge about their leanings, business deals, investors, their country policies, sentiment of their population, past trends etc. NYT, Economist, Time etc. are good examples, what would be the global public perception due to such headlines and breaking news, how could the public perception be moulded in positive manner for the country, how could nationalistic feelings be inculcated in the masses, how can the perception management of India be improved at the world for a how could the media blitzkrieg of India’s adversaries be predicted and replied/neutralized, how could the social media and internet news/discussions be given a positive slant for India.”

    One of the many critics of this project is the Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF), which has sent a notice to the MIB to stop the project, failing which the organization would take legal action. Its concerns? “Social Media Communication Hub will also have the ability to broadcast content without any legal authority or guidance through 20 central and 716 district level social media executives. In sum, this is a system of control through surveillance and a capacity to spread propaganda,” the Foundation said in an online campaign.

    The Foundation’s letter to MIB minister Rajyavardhan Rathore, sent last week, criticizes the government move on the ground that“the wider project to surveil social media is illegal and unconstitutional, being contrary to the right to privacy and freedom of speech and expression”.

    Urging the ministry to withdraw the requests for proposal invited by BECIL, the IFF said, “The RFP document clearly indicates that the proposed Social Media Communication Hub seeks to create a technology architecture that merges mass surveillance with a capacity for disinformation. It is a perilous expense on the exchequer, given that an exorbitant amount of [Rs] 42.4833 crores (approximately Rs. 42 million) is being earmarked for a project that will undermine our fundamental rights.”

    Meanwhile, MIB is also seized of the fate of a committee set up by former minister Smriti Irani to propose regulations for online media. Though Rathore in recent times has spoken of self-regulation of media, in general, he hasn’t yet articulated the government view on the committee, which critics say was beyond the remit of the MIB.

    Indiantelevision.com learns from government sources that the online regulation committee has already held few informal meetings, though non-governmental organisations, seeking to be part of it, were not invited.

    While some media industry organisations were named by the government to be part of this online regulation committee, many others like the internet and mobile association of India, Broadband Forum India and Asian media body CASBAA have, reportedly, sent in formal requests to be made part of this government committee, which, interestingly, doesn’t include a single online venture or body.

    Also Read :

     MIB to collect data on satellite capacity needs, digital chatter

  • MIB cancels permission to two channels

    MIB cancels permission to two channels

    BENGALURU: Permissions to two private channels – one news and current affairs and one non-news and current affairs channel have been cancelled in this calendar year as on 28 February 2018 as per the information put out by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB). The total number of private satellite and pay TV channels having valid permissions as of 28 February 2018 stood at 875 as compared to 877 as on 31 December 2018. As on 28 February 2018, the number of private news and current affairs channels that were permitted in India stood at 388, while the number of permitted private non-news and current affairs channels was 487.

    There has been a dearth of licences being handed out in the last nine months. So far, 2018 has seen the addition of only two new channel licences namely Discovery Jeet HD and DSport HD. Before that, the last licence was issued in September 2017.

    Of the 875 permitted private TV channels, 774 channels were permitted to both uplink and downlink to India. 368 of the TV channels that were permitted to both uplink and downlink were news and current affairs channels, while 406 were non-news and current affairs channels. 16 private channels were permitted to uplink from India, but not to downlink in India. Five of these channels were news and current affairs channels and 11 were non-news and current affairs channels. The total number of private channels that were permitted only to downlink to India was 85 as on 28 February 2018. The breakup of these channels was 15 news channels and 70 non-news channels.

    The government had issued licenses to 45 channels in 2017 as compared to 75 in the previous calendar year (2016). In all, permission has been granted to 1,101 channels. Permission was cancelled for 226 channels, with 66 in 2017 alone. 44.3 percent or 388 of the permitted channels were news and current affairs channels.

    Also Read :

    No new channels added in December 2017

  • Comment: 3 areas that new MIB minister Rathore needs to target

    Comment: 3 areas that new MIB minister Rathore needs to target

    In a recent reshuffle of his cabinet colleagues and their portfolios initiated by PM Modi, a surprise move was not Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) minister Smriti Irani’s removal, but handing the independent charge of the portfolio to her till-now junior, Rajyavardhan Rathore.

    There is some merit in giving Rathore full responsibility of MIB, which was conceptualised by the nation’s founding fathers to be the government interface with the media and public, in general. That MIB could have lost its relevance in this digital age – an issue being debated in certain quarters – is another story altogether for some other time. Why Rathore at the helm of MIB seems just what the doctor advised?

    First, he is young and suave. Second, he comes with a good pedigree of being an army officer and an Olympic medalist. Third, he’s comparatively young and has built a youth and people-friendly image, apart from his work as independent charge holder at Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports – his latest initiative on Twitter, #HumFitTohIndiaFit , aimed at encouraging fitness by inviting celebs is already a hit on social media.

    As Rathore has served as a junior MIB minister long enough to get to know the complex issues that come with the terrain, it is expected that he is best suited to address the challenges being faced by the media industry. But for that, he needs to aim at the following three areas and hit the bull’s eye.

    Content Regulation

    The previous MIB minister waded into controversies because of her largely perceived unpopular move to create a panel in April this year to explore regulations for online media/news portals and online content. It did not help her or the government’s cause as this announcement, though being hinted at for several months, came close on the heels of a widely protested move to cancel the accreditation of journalists if found peddling fake news, while the government did not define clearly what constituted a fake news. Though the order was rescinded at the behest of the PM’s Office, the online content committee lingers on directionless and with nobody willing to father the baby presently. That this move antagonised not just online journalists, but also social media players (many of whom are backed and funded by government’s sympathisers) and video-on- demand portals is a story in itself.

    Rathore knows media in India enjoys certain constitutional freedoms, including the right to exercise freedom of speech and expression. Therefore, any move targeted at “regulating” such content shall only be interpreted as silencing criticism. That the online committee is packed with government officials with minuscule industry representation and zero presence of online media raises questions on government’s motives.

    What’s more, doubts have also been raised on the jurisdictional propriety of MIB to create such a committee in the first place. The government allocation of business rules that determine the remit of various government agencies clearly highlights that for all “policy matters relating to information technology; electronics; and Internet” only Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeITY) is competent to make decisions. The ambit of MIB is limited only to “the enunciation and implementation of the law relating to radio and television broadcasting in India by private Indian companies or Indian nationals”.

    With multiple laws applicable on online content, there seems to be no need of any additional regulation for online content, though MeITY could think otherwise, but it’s for it to take a call. Still, a self-regulating mechanism that places uniform standards over user-generated content platforms and video-on-demand portals is the need of the day. This shall also be in line with Rathore’s views expressed after assuming full charge at MIB where he stressed upon self-regulation as the only means of regulating media.

    As the final authority at MIB now, Rathore needs to walk the talk on online content regulation and, probably, let the committee set up by his predecessor die a natural death.

    Online content aside, in the world of traditional broadcasting there is a need to strengthen the already established self-regulatory mechanisms such as the Broadcasting Content Complaints Council (BCCC) of the IBF and a similar self-regulatory set-up of the NBA India.

    Ease of Doing Business

    It would be an understatement to say that the past year has been a difficult period for the Indian media and entertainment (M&E) sector what with after-effects of demonetisation of high-value currency notes and a new tax regime of GST rolled out last year. The story remains the same for ease of doing business in the sector as well.

    On this aspect, Rathore could focus on the recommendations made by Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on`Ease of Doing Business in Broadcasting Sector’ and implement them in letter and spirit.

    A unilateral decision by the previous leadership of MIB to impose a processing fee of Rs 100,000 per day/channel on temporary live uplinking of events (such as sports) and the same amount for seeking minor amendments (like change in name, logo, etc) has been causing heart burns.

    What was the rationale behind such moves to review processing fees? Allegedly non-revision for several years and that such a move could bring in some revenue for the government. But, should a government use licensing/permission fee as means of revenue maximisation? Probably, no.

    Another issue that demands attention from Rathore is the denial of permissions by DoS to satellite TV channels using private satellite capacity, especially foreign. Here, the newly appointed minister shall have to display his trademark leadership and try to resolve the concerns of his constituents (TV channels, DTH operators, teleport operators, etc) vis-a-vis DoS.

    Building an Investment Friendly Environment

    In the recently held global Asia Media Summit 2018 in New Delhi, PM Narendra Modi said that Asia has emerged as a promising region for media businesses and offers opportunities for international cooperation. This statement highlights his government’s push for increasing investment inflow across sectors of the Indian economy – including creative industries such as M&E.

    In this respect, Rathore will have to hit the road running — which he has done — and look at all the factors impeding investments in the sectors under him. This could necessitate reviewing licensing conditions and guidelines, which many in the industry believe hamper investments.

    Can Rathore bite the bullet and recreate the magic that he unveiled one fine day years back to get India the first Olympic medal in an individual event? Certainly, he can. Keep tuned in for the next episode.

    Also Read :

    MIB clears TV channel applications; Rathore calls for stakeholder meets

    Comment: India’s NTP 2018 gets digital makeover but needs complimentary policies

    Comment: MIB’s botched whip on fake news akin to testing waters

    M&E to add 1 mn jobs in 5 years: Sudhanshu Vats

  • MIB clears TV channel applications; Rathore calls for stakeholder meets

    MIB clears TV channel applications; Rathore calls for stakeholder meets

    NEW DELHI: Within days of Rajyavardhan Rathore given independent charge of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) by the PM Modi-led government after removal of his senior Smriti Irani, the organisation has been galvanised into action. What’s more, important issues are being discussed, including clearances of three new TV channel applications and meetings being called with broadcast industry stakeholders to debate matters like use of foreign satellites versus Indian ones.

    The three TV channels that have been reportedly given initial government go-ahead — further processes like bank guarantees, etc need to be completed — include Aastha Kannad, Aastha Tamil and Aastha Telugu. All these channels are Indian language off-shoots of the religious product Aastha network that at present broadcasts in Hindi.

    Though critics may say the government has given the nod to three TV channels in South Indian languages belonging to Vedic Broadcasting Ltd (VBL), which is controlled by Yoga guru`Patanjali’ Ramdev’s close associate Acharya Balkrishna and considered close to the present BJP-led government in New Delhi, independent observers feel at least MIB has started taking a stand on applications, a process that was halted for the last nine months or so for various reasons.

    Media industry sources indicated that over 100 applications for TV channels are pending at MIB. And, such applications include ones from big and small broadcast companies.

    VBL is controlled by majority shareholder Balkrishna, who, along with Ramdev, bought it in 2011 from the people who had started a religious TV channel few years back airing yoga shows, religious sermons and some cultural programmes.

    When VBL is searched on Google, one is taken to www.acharyabalkrishna.com where it is indirectly stated that Balkrishna is the managing director. It is further stated: “Vedic Broadcasting Limited is also part of his vision. It [’s a] pioneer & leading socio-cultural network in India. Astha & Astha Bhajan Channel is propagating Indian culture and heritage, Health, Ayurveda, Education, Yoga, Values and Morals, Devotional songs, Spiritual meetings, talks, etc. The channels are available globally covering the continents of Asia, Africa, Australia, Europe and North America (USA & Canada), thus, enabling global organisations an opportunity to reach followers and other viewers worldwide.”

    Meanwhile, both government and industry sources indicated that MIB, under Rathore, is attempting to be a breath of fresh air, if not completely turn over decisions taken earlier under Irani. One such step in that direction was to start convening meetings with TV channels and their holding companies in an attempt to try to address some of the concerns.

    In one such meeting held this week, the representatives from the broadcasting company owning and operating over 30 TV channels in India were asked about their concerns. Also present were government officials from Department of Space and Indian space agency ISRO.

    When the issue of migration to an Indian satellite from foreign ones was brought up by the TV channel reps in the meeting, it was conveyed to them politely that it would be in the national interest to do so, though those having existing contracts could be allowed, in all probability, to go through with contractual obligations.

    One of the concerns relating to leasing space on foreign satellites is that ISRO, according to industry sources, was unwilling to come forth with data on disaster and backup management in case an Indian satellite, through which a TV channel is beaming, for example, sputtered or developed some snag.

    The sources said that more such meetings are in the pipeline with other broadcasting companies.

  • MIB nudge to TV channels on content monitoring

    MIB nudge to TV channels on content monitoring

    NEW DELHI: Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has cautioned 121 TV channels for not faciliatiing monitoring of content by government agencies as per existing regulations.

    Pointing out that as technical parameters were not being made available to the Electronic Media Monitoring Centre (EMMC), an organisation under MIB umbrella, government has reminded the errant TV channels regulations clearly state the company/channel shall “provide for the necessary monitoring facility at its own cost” for monitoring of programmes or content by a government agency.

    The list, which has been put out on the MIB website, includes TV channels from big and small broadcasting companies and they have been given time till 30 May 2018 to comply with existing government guidelines.

    Broadcaster names include 9X, TV9 AP, UTV Movies International, Mahua channels, Sony Pix 2, several SAB regional channels, Star Gold South East Asia, Star Plus Middle East, VH1, Colors Tamil, Living Travelz, Living Rootz, Z Living, Shop CJ Tamil, Zee Kannada, Zee Telugu, History TV18 HD, etc. A total of 121 channels have been named. 

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