ITV

Category: I&B Ministry

  • Climate favourable for FDI, Flag, Crest, You & Netmagic in queue

    Climate favourable for FDI, Flag, Crest, You & Netmagic in queue

    MUMBAI: The business climate seems to be favourable for more and better inflow of foreign direct investments into India. As the government took steps to improve ease of doing business and relax regulations, foreign direct investment into India grew by 60 per cent to US$ 4.68 billion in November 2016 as compared to US$ 2.93 billion the previous November.

    Star Den Media Services and Idea Cellular are among six proposals recently cleared by the government for receiving foreign direct investment (FDI) of around Rs 1,200 crore.

    Among the proposals that have been deferred for further discussions are — Flag Telecom Singapore Pte Limited, Crest Premedia Solutions Pvt. Ltd, You Broadband India Limited and Netmagic Solutions Pvt. Ltd. Flag Telecom is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Reliance Communications (RCom).

    A proposal by M/s Crest Premedia Solutions Pvt. Ltd seeking approval for issuance of equity shares to the non-resident shareholders of M/s Springer SBM Holding Ltd., a Mauritius Company under a Scheme of Amalgamation was also deferred. 

    M/s You Broadband India Limited had sought post facto approval for acquisition of 9,79,875 equity shares of its downstream company M/s Digital Outsourcing Private Limited (DOPL) in lieu of issue of 20,58,759 equity shares to its resident shareholders by way of swap of shares but this was deferred.

    A proposal by Netmagic Solutions Pvt. Ltd for the increase in the shareholding of NTT Communications Corporation, Japan in the company from 81.63 per cent to 100 per cent was deferred.

    Cumulatively, India attracted US$ 32.49 billion foreign inflows in April-November period of the current fiscal as against US$ 24.81 billion in the same period previous year.

    The main sectors which have attracted foreign inflows during the eight months period of 2016-17 include telecom (US$ 5.47 billion) and information & broadcasting (US$ 1.06 billion).

    Foreign investments are considered crucial for India, which needs around US$ 1 trillion for overhauling its infrastructure sector such as ports, airports and highways to boost growth.

    Also Read:

    Idea, Star Den among Rs-1200 cr FDI proposals approved; latter to switch to investing biz

  • Media Communication Policy being drafted to ensure access to information

    Media Communication Policy being drafted to ensure access to information

    NEW DELHI: A Media Communication Policy is under formulation in the Information and Broadcasting Ministry to address communication needs and enhance access to information.

    Stating this, Minister of State for I and B Rajyavardhan Rathore told Parliament today that the aim would also be to promote national dialogue on development issues by all citizens; and ensure timely, orderly and effective growth and dissemination of Government information.

    This was decided in the State Information Ministers’ Conference (SIMCON) held on 9 and 10 December 2016.

    Various issues concerning State and Central Governments on integrated and effective dissemination of information were discussed.

    It was decided that the policy will be finalized in consultation with States.

    Integrating Government communication with development and enabling participation from citizens to improve decision making and implementation of Government programmes will be the aims of the policy, the Minister said.

    He said facilitating systematic use of communication and information strategies contributes in large measure to more effective use of Government resources and better implementation of Government programmes and policies thereby contributing to improved quality of life of citizens. 

    Also Read:

    Mass Comm courses in regional languages significant: Naidu

  • Streamline media grievance redressal, SC asks govt

    Streamline media grievance redressal, SC asks govt

    NEW DELHI: Action was taken in 52 cases of television and two of radio in the past three years for violation of the Programme or Advertisement Code of the Government. Minister of state for information and broadcasting Rajyavardhan Rathore said the action in most cases was limited to apology scrolls, or switching off channels for a brief period.

    This included in the case of TV 19,15 and 18 cases in 2014, 1015 and 2016, respectively, and one each in the case of FM radio in 2015 and 2016.

    Meanwhile, the minister said the Supreme Court had, on 12 January 2017, advised the Government to formalise the complaint redressal mechanism including the period of limitation within which a complaint can be filed. 

    The court also said the concerned statutory authority which shall adjudicate upon the same including the appellate and other redressal mechanisms, leading to a final conclusive determination. 

    At present, an Inter-Ministerial Committee takes action on complaints forwarded to it. In addition, there is self-regulation at the level of the Advertisement Standards Council of India, the Broadcast Content Control Council and the News Broadcast Standards Authority.

    The Inter Ministerial Committee (IMC) under Section 20 of the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act 1995 comprising officers  from Ministries of Home Affairs, Defence, External Affairs, Law & Justice, Women & Child Development, Health & Family Welfare, Consumer Affairs and a representative from Advertising Standards Council of India, to take cognizance suo moto or to look into specific complaints regarding content on private TV channels on any platform including FM Radio channels.

    As and when there is a prima facie case of violation by private satellite TV channels and private FM channels regarding content aired by them, the matter is placed before the IMC for its consideration/recommendations. Thus, IMC functions in a recommendatory capacity. The final decision is taken on the basis of the recommendations of IMC by the Ministry after which action is taken such as issuing warnings or advisories to the channels or asking them to run apology scrolls on their channels or directing the channels to be taken off air for a limited period depending on the gravity of the violation.

    Apart from this, the Ministry has also issued directions to States to set up District level and State level Monitoring Committees to regulate content telecast of local TV channels carried on Cable TV Networks.

    Also Read:
    SC to MIB: Get mechanism to deal with complaints on TV, radio shows

    MIB urgently seeks pending 78 channels’ equipment details

    Govt warning to TV channels on b’cast norms breach

    Mittal wants self-regulation for new media, Rathore says IT Act adequate

  • Streamline media grievance redressal, SC asks govt

    Streamline media grievance redressal, SC asks govt

    NEW DELHI: Action was taken in 52 cases of television and two of radio in the past three years for violation of the Programme or Advertisement Code of the Government. Minister of state for information and broadcasting Rajyavardhan Rathore said the action in most cases was limited to apology scrolls, or switching off channels for a brief period.

    This included in the case of TV 19,15 and 18 cases in 2014, 1015 and 2016, respectively, and one each in the case of FM radio in 2015 and 2016.

    Meanwhile, the minister said the Supreme Court had, on 12 January 2017, advised the Government to formalise the complaint redressal mechanism including the period of limitation within which a complaint can be filed. 

    The court also said the concerned statutory authority which shall adjudicate upon the same including the appellate and other redressal mechanisms, leading to a final conclusive determination. 

    At present, an Inter-Ministerial Committee takes action on complaints forwarded to it. In addition, there is self-regulation at the level of the Advertisement Standards Council of India, the Broadcast Content Control Council and the News Broadcast Standards Authority.

    The Inter Ministerial Committee (IMC) under Section 20 of the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act 1995 comprising officers  from Ministries of Home Affairs, Defence, External Affairs, Law & Justice, Women & Child Development, Health & Family Welfare, Consumer Affairs and a representative from Advertising Standards Council of India, to take cognizance suo moto or to look into specific complaints regarding content on private TV channels on any platform including FM Radio channels.

    As and when there is a prima facie case of violation by private satellite TV channels and private FM channels regarding content aired by them, the matter is placed before the IMC for its consideration/recommendations. Thus, IMC functions in a recommendatory capacity. The final decision is taken on the basis of the recommendations of IMC by the Ministry after which action is taken such as issuing warnings or advisories to the channels or asking them to run apology scrolls on their channels or directing the channels to be taken off air for a limited period depending on the gravity of the violation.

    Apart from this, the Ministry has also issued directions to States to set up District level and State level Monitoring Committees to regulate content telecast of local TV channels carried on Cable TV Networks.

    Also Read:
    SC to MIB: Get mechanism to deal with complaints on TV, radio shows

    MIB urgently seeks pending 78 channels’ equipment details

    Govt warning to TV channels on b’cast norms breach

    Mittal wants self-regulation for new media, Rathore says IT Act adequate

  • Expedite Prasar CEO appointment, govt urged

    Expedite Prasar CEO appointment, govt urged

    NEW DELHI: Prasar Bharati chairman Surya Prakash has written to the government to expedite the selection of a new CEO and member (personnel) in the pubcaster.

    Prakash told the indiantelevision.com that he had sought from the government to ensure the vacancies are filled soon to facilitate decision-making.

    A high-level committee headed by India’s vice-president Hamid Ansari is needed to meet as stipulated in the Prasar Bharati Act 1990 to select a new CEO and other members.

    Meanwhile, member (finance) Rajeev Singh is scheduled to take over as the interim chief executive officer of the pubcaster from 6 February. He succeeds Suresh C Panda who was the member (personnel) and is due to retire on 4 February.

    The decision was taken at a board meeting held recently in Hyderabad. Panda had been appointed as the acting CEO after Jawhar Sircar demitted office on 4 November.

    Singh, who has been serving Prasar Bharati as member (finance) since April 2015, was previously with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd in different roles for a little over nine years. Singh is an engineering graduate from Nagpur University and is a post-graduate in business administration from Faculty of Management Studies, University of Delhi.

    Singh’s appointment comes at a time when the public broadcaster is all set to revamp Doordarshan by introducing new prime time programming in February following e-auctions for these slots.

    The information and broadcasting ministry had issued an advertisement, calling applications for the post of member (personnel) and received 56 applications.

  • Expedite Prasar CEO appointment, govt urged

    Expedite Prasar CEO appointment, govt urged

    NEW DELHI: Prasar Bharati chairman Surya Prakash has written to the government to expedite the selection of a new CEO and member (personnel) in the pubcaster.

    Prakash told the indiantelevision.com that he had sought from the government to ensure the vacancies are filled soon to facilitate decision-making.

    A high-level committee headed by India’s vice-president Hamid Ansari is needed to meet as stipulated in the Prasar Bharati Act 1990 to select a new CEO and other members.

    Meanwhile, member (finance) Rajeev Singh is scheduled to take over as the interim chief executive officer of the pubcaster from 6 February. He succeeds Suresh C Panda who was the member (personnel) and is due to retire on 4 February.

    The decision was taken at a board meeting held recently in Hyderabad. Panda had been appointed as the acting CEO after Jawhar Sircar demitted office on 4 November.

    Singh, who has been serving Prasar Bharati as member (finance) since April 2015, was previously with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd in different roles for a little over nine years. Singh is an engineering graduate from Nagpur University and is a post-graduate in business administration from Faculty of Management Studies, University of Delhi.

    Singh’s appointment comes at a time when the public broadcaster is all set to revamp Doordarshan by introducing new prime time programming in February following e-auctions for these slots.

    The information and broadcasting ministry had issued an advertisement, calling applications for the post of member (personnel) and received 56 applications.

  • Prasar Bharati to work with Emirates News Agency in programming and news

    Prasar Bharati to work with Emirates News Agency in programming and news

    NEW DELHI: Prasar Bharati and Emirates News Agency have agreed to strengthen ties through mutual exchange of programmes and news.

    This was one of the 14 memorandums of understanding signed to coincide with the visit of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to India.

    The MoU between Prasar Bharati and the Emirates News Agency will also exchange best practices to improve each other’s functioning.

    The Crown Prince is the Chief Guest at the Republic Day Parada where a unit of the UAE forces will also take part.

  • Prasar Bharati to work with Emirates News Agency in programming and news

    Prasar Bharati to work with Emirates News Agency in programming and news

    NEW DELHI: Prasar Bharati and Emirates News Agency have agreed to strengthen ties through mutual exchange of programmes and news.

    This was one of the 14 memorandums of understanding signed to coincide with the visit of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to India.

    The MoU between Prasar Bharati and the Emirates News Agency will also exchange best practices to improve each other’s functioning.

    The Crown Prince is the Chief Guest at the Republic Day Parada where a unit of the UAE forces will also take part.

  • No DAS III extension beyond 31 Jan, reiterates MIB

    No DAS III extension beyond 31 Jan, reiterates MIB

    MUMBAI: Cable Subscribers in DAS Phase III urban areas, who have not yet taken set-top boxes, are advised to obtain the same from the MSO/cable operators in their areas immediately, failing which they would not be able to watch TV services through Cable TV Networks after 31 January, 2017.

    It is brought to the notice of all concerned that Ministry of I&B would not grant any extension beyond 31 January, 2017 to switch off analog signals in Phase III urban areas. In this connection, Chief Secretaries of all States/UTs have been requested recently to ensure that the Authorized Officer get acquainted with their powers and specified rules to enforce them against defaulters if they continue to carry analog signal in Phase III urban areas after 31 January, 2017.

    The Ministry had issued instructions to all the broadcasters, multi-system operators (MSOs) and local cable operators (LCOs) to ensure that no analog signals are transmitted over the cable networks in Phase III urban areas after 31st January, 2017. “Authorised officers” under Sec 11 of the Cable TV Networks (Regulation) Act can seize the equipment of the MSOs/Cable Operators, if they continues to carry analog signal in Phase III urban areas after 31 January, 2017.

    On account of court proceedings, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting had earlier given time up to 31 January, 2017, to switch over to digital mode of transmission in Cable TV Networks in Phase III urban areas.

    Also Read:  MSO registrations remain slow even as DAS deadlines approach

    Also Read:  Slow pace of court cases, MSO registration may delay DAS deadline

  • No DAS III extension beyond 31 Jan, reiterates MIB

    No DAS III extension beyond 31 Jan, reiterates MIB

    MUMBAI: Cable Subscribers in DAS Phase III urban areas, who have not yet taken set-top boxes, are advised to obtain the same from the MSO/cable operators in their areas immediately, failing which they would not be able to watch TV services through Cable TV Networks after 31 January, 2017.

    It is brought to the notice of all concerned that Ministry of I&B would not grant any extension beyond 31 January, 2017 to switch off analog signals in Phase III urban areas. In this connection, Chief Secretaries of all States/UTs have been requested recently to ensure that the Authorized Officer get acquainted with their powers and specified rules to enforce them against defaulters if they continue to carry analog signal in Phase III urban areas after 31 January, 2017.

    The Ministry had issued instructions to all the broadcasters, multi-system operators (MSOs) and local cable operators (LCOs) to ensure that no analog signals are transmitted over the cable networks in Phase III urban areas after 31st January, 2017. “Authorised officers” under Sec 11 of the Cable TV Networks (Regulation) Act can seize the equipment of the MSOs/Cable Operators, if they continues to carry analog signal in Phase III urban areas after 31 January, 2017.

    On account of court proceedings, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting had earlier given time up to 31 January, 2017, to switch over to digital mode of transmission in Cable TV Networks in Phase III urban areas.

    Also Read:  MSO registrations remain slow even as DAS deadlines approach

    Also Read:  Slow pace of court cases, MSO registration may delay DAS deadline