Category: I&B Ministry

News disallowed but advt terms relaxed for community radio

NEW DELHI: While holding that the grant of permission agreement will be extended for five years at a time for community radio stations, the government has said that the application will have to be submitted in the fourth year.

In relaxation of its Guidelines of 2006 to promote the growth in the sector, it was stated that the first extension shall be granted on the basis of an application and verification of adherence to the terms and conditions of the permission.

For second extension beyond 10 years, the continuous operation of CRS by the permission holder for 10 years will be treated as ground for extension. CRS should submit their application for extension of permission a year before end of the permission period.

Considering that there are less than 150 operational CRS even after more than a decade of launch of the scheme, the changes announced along with the funding scheme announced earlier this month would help the growth of this sector.

News and current affairs and programmes of current affairs which are political in nature will not be permitted. However, CRS can broadcast news and current affairs contents sourced exclusively from All-India Radio in its original form or translated into the local language/dialect. AIR shall source its news to CRS without any charge. It will be the responsibility of the CRS permission holder to ensure that the news is not distorted or edited during translation.

Another important relaxation is in terms of permitting additional categories that can come under non-news and current affairs broadcast.

These are:

(a) Information pertaining to sporting events excluding live coverage. However live commentaries of sporting events of local nature may be permissible;

(b) Information pertaining to traffic and weather;

(c) Information pertaining to and coverage of local cultural events, festivals;

(d) Coverage of topics pertaining to examinations, results, admissions, career counseling;

(e) Availability of employment opportunities;

(f) Public announcements pertaining to civic amenities like electricity, water supply, natural calamities, health alerts etc. as provided by the local administration;

(g) Such other categories not permitted at present that may subsequently be specifically permitted by Ministry of Information and Broadcasting from time to time.

The additions also say that transmission of sponsored programmes shall not be permitted except programmes sponsored by Central and state governments and other organisations to broadcast public interest information.

Limited advertising and announcements up to a maximum of seven minutes per hour relating to local events, local businesses and services and employment opportunities will be allowed.

(In a related development, the Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity deleted the empanelment condition that “Community Radio Stations will undertake in writing that DAVP approved rates accepted by them are their lowest rates and exclusive to DAVP and cannot be offered to any other agency”.)

The additions in the Guidelines further said: “In disaster situations, the District Magistrate’s permission shall be sufficient to relocate CRS. However, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting should be informed of the change of place by both the CRS and District Magistrate.

January 24, 2017
News disallowed but advt terms relaxed for community radio

NEW DELHI: While holding that the grant of permission agreement will be extended for five years at a time for community radio stations, the government has said that the application will have to be submitted in the fourth year.

In relaxation of its Guidelines of 2006 to promote the growth in the sector, it was stated that the first extension shall be granted on the basis of an application and verification of adherence to the terms and conditions of the permission.

For second extension beyond 10 years, the continuous operation of CRS by the permission holder for 10 years will be treated as ground for extension. CRS should submit their application for extension of permission a year before end of the permission period.

Considering that there are less than 150 operational CRS even after more than a decade of launch of the scheme, the changes announced along with the funding scheme announced earlier this month would help the growth of this sector.

News and current affairs and programmes of current affairs which are political in nature will not be permitted. However, CRS can broadcast news and current affairs contents sourced exclusively from All-India Radio in its original form or translated into the local language/dialect. AIR shall source its news to CRS without any charge. It will be the responsibility of the CRS permission holder to ensure that the news is not distorted or edited during translation.

Another important relaxation is in terms of permitting additional categories that can come under non-news and current affairs broadcast.

These are:

(a) Information pertaining to sporting events excluding live coverage. However live commentaries of sporting events of local nature may be permissible;

(b) Information pertaining to traffic and weather;

(c) Information pertaining to and coverage of local cultural events, festivals;

(d) Coverage of topics pertaining to examinations, results, admissions, career counseling;

(e) Availability of employment opportunities;

(f) Public announcements pertaining to civic amenities like electricity, water supply, natural calamities, health alerts etc. as provided by the local administration;

(g) Such other categories not permitted at present that may subsequently be specifically permitted by Ministry of Information and Broadcasting from time to time.

The additions also say that transmission of sponsored programmes shall not be permitted except programmes sponsored by Central and state governments and other organisations to broadcast public interest information.

Limited advertising and announcements up to a maximum of seven minutes per hour relating to local events, local businesses and services and employment opportunities will be allowed.

(In a related development, the Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity deleted the empanelment condition that “Community Radio Stations will undertake in writing that DAVP approved rates accepted by them are their lowest rates and exclusive to DAVP and cannot be offered to any other agency”.)

The additions in the Guidelines further said: “In disaster situations, the District Magistrate’s permission shall be sufficient to relocate CRS. However, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting should be informed of the change of place by both the CRS and District Magistrate.

January 24, 2017
MIB urgently seeks pending 78 channels’ equipment details

MUMBAI: The government of India expects all TV channels to submit technical details of their respective equipment for the purpose of monitoring. In all, 78 channels have failed to do so.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued a Notice dated 9 December 2016 to 194 TV channels to provide a set of Professional IRD for each TV channel permitted to them which can give SD-SDI output (in case of HD channels, HD-SDI output) along with one spare IRD per bouquet, to EMMC.

Alternatively, the pay TV broadcaster/ service provider should provide Viewing card (VC) with matching CAM module for interfacing with de-modulators to decrypt and demodulate the channel over IP. TV channels are also required to provide the technical parameters as Satellite, Frequency, location of teleport etc.

Accordingly, the details/ equipment from 78 TV channels have not been received so far. The Broadcasting companies of these TV channels are required to send the details/ required equipment urgently.

The equipment details may be sent to Director, Electronic Media Monitoring Centre, BECIL, Soochna Bhawan, New Delhi.

Also Read: 81 teleports permitted to uplink, downlink TV channels

Also Read: The TRAI broadcasting & cable tariff order simplified

Also Read: TRAI may moot MRP for bouquet TV channels; no price cap on unbundled premium products

Also Read: 53 TV channels, six teleports’ licences up for renewal in ’17

January 23, 2017
MIB urgently seeks pending 78 channels’ equipment details

MUMBAI: The government of India expects all TV channels to submit technical details of their respective equipment for the purpose of monitoring. In all, 78 channels have failed to do so.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued a Notice dated 9 December 2016 to 194 TV channels to provide a set of Professional IRD for each TV channel permitted to them which can give SD-SDI output (in case of HD channels, HD-SDI output) along with one spare IRD per bouquet, to EMMC.

Alternatively, the pay TV broadcaster/ service provider should provide Viewing card (VC) with matching CAM module for interfacing with de-modulators to decrypt and demodulate the channel over IP. TV channels are also required to provide the technical parameters as Satellite, Frequency, location of teleport etc.

Accordingly, the details/ equipment from 78 TV channels have not been received so far. The Broadcasting companies of these TV channels are required to send the details/ required equipment urgently.

The equipment details may be sent to Director, Electronic Media Monitoring Centre, BECIL, Soochna Bhawan, New Delhi.

Also Read: 81 teleports permitted to uplink, downlink TV channels

Also Read: The TRAI broadcasting & cable tariff order simplified

Also Read: TRAI may moot MRP for bouquet TV channels; no price cap on unbundled premium products

Also Read: 53 TV channels, six teleports’ licences up for renewal in ’17

January 23, 2017
Music Broadcast plans IPO; to make buys

MUMBAI: Music Broadcast Private Limited, which operates one of the leading FM radio stations — Radio City — is planning to list. It is preparing to bring out a public offer of over Rs 500 crore comprising a fresh issue of Rs 400 crore and an offer for sale of 26.59 lakh equity shares by the promoters’ family.

The proceeds from the issue will be utilised to retire debt of around Rs 150 crore, and the remainder to create a “war chest” for future acquisitions.

Radio City 91.1 FM brand has been synonymous with the category since inception in 2001. Innovative programming and marketing initiatives have helped Radio City pioneer FM in India. In phase III auction, the network expanded its footprint by efficiently adding 11 new markets after carefully selecting towns with greater SEC AB population. With the addition of the new towns and addition of Radio Mantra towns, Radio City reaches to 39 most important towns of India dominating the most important advertiser markets. The first FM station will be launching internet radio streams in India with 30 stations and counting

Music Broadcast promoter Jagran Prakashan CFO R. K. Agarwal said that they already filed the DRHP and post-regulatory approvals, and intend to hit the capital market. Most of the funds would be used to strengthen the capital structure so that a war chest was created to acquire more radio stations as and when opportunity arose, he added.

Agrawal said it sees a lot of opportunities in radio as its business has been expanding at a CAGR of 15-16 per cent for several years, and has been operating at a margin of 33 per cent.

Music Broadcast director Apurva Purohit said that the radio sector was the youngest in M&E but was growing fast. Radio’s share in the media and entertainment industry pie was only four per cent of the total advertisement market size due to the tardy pace of regulation, which otherwise could have been as high as 12 per cent.

January 23, 2017
Music Broadcast plans IPO; to make buys

MUMBAI: Music Broadcast Private Limited, which operates one of the leading FM radio stations — Radio City — is planning to list. It is preparing to bring out a public offer of over Rs 500 crore comprising a fresh issue of Rs 400 crore and an offer for sale of 26.59 lakh equity shares by the promoters’ family.

The proceeds from the issue will be utilised to retire debt of around Rs 150 crore, and the remainder to create a “war chest” for future acquisitions.

Radio City 91.1 FM brand has been synonymous with the category since inception in 2001. Innovative programming and marketing initiatives have helped Radio City pioneer FM in India. In phase III auction, the network expanded its footprint by efficiently adding 11 new markets after carefully selecting towns with greater SEC AB population. With the addition of the new towns and addition of Radio Mantra towns, Radio City reaches to 39 most important towns of India dominating the most important advertiser markets. The first FM station will be launching internet radio streams in India with 30 stations and counting

Music Broadcast promoter Jagran Prakashan CFO R. K. Agarwal said that they already filed the DRHP and post-regulatory approvals, and intend to hit the capital market. Most of the funds would be used to strengthen the capital structure so that a war chest was created to acquire more radio stations as and when opportunity arose, he added.

Agrawal said it sees a lot of opportunities in radio as its business has been expanding at a CAGR of 15-16 per cent for several years, and has been operating at a margin of 33 per cent.

Music Broadcast director Apurva Purohit said that the radio sector was the youngest in M&E but was growing fast. Radio’s share in the media and entertainment industry pie was only four per cent of the total advertisement market size due to the tardy pace of regulation, which otherwise could have been as high as 12 per cent.

January 23, 2017
Dist. National Informatics Centres to be of international standards

NEW DELHI: Electronics and Information and Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad has said the National Informatics Centre is the “technological bridge of India and is best placed to lead the way for a Digital India”

He urged the District Information Officers (DIOs) to be innovative and proactive. NIC must adopt a transformative approach to make a difference at the grassroots level. He appealed to the NIC to connect with the Common Service Centres (CSCs), who have successfully provided training on digital payment systems to over 19.6 million of rural citizens and 6,15,000 merchants.”

He was speaking at an event where the NIC kicked off the National Meet on Grassroot Informatics – VIVID: Weaving a Digital India here.

The inauguration of the three-day event was also attended Minister of State P P Chaudhary, Secretary Ms Aruna Sundararajan, Additional Secretary Ajay Kumar, NIC DG Ms Neeta Verma, and Deputy DG Ms Rama Nagpal.

Prasad announced the Government’s plan to set up a Government Security Operation Centre and a Data Centre for Cloud in Bhopal. He also announced that the Government is going to enhance the infrastructure of district NIC offices to international standards. As a pilot project, 150 District NIC offices would be upgraded during the period 2017-18, while rest will follow soon.

He instructed the ministry to develop a training module for the NIC officials to keep pace with the ever evolving technologies. He also announced the introduction of annual awards for the DIOs of the NIC for taking up exemplary innovative approach in their respective districts. The top three best innovators will get a reward of Rs 2,00,000, Rs 1,00,000 and Rs 50,000 respectively.

Chaudhary said, “The threshold of the year 2017 will always be remembered for heralding in several transformative changes to benefit the economy as well to the citizens, amongst them the Digital India initiative has been the most significant one. I must congratulate NIC and DIOs for playing a pivotal role in preparing the country for a successful Digital transformation of our ecosystem.

NIC also introduced two new portals – District Collector’s Dashboard and NIC Service Desk, which were launched by Prasad and Chaudhary respectively.

The National Meet on Grassroots Informatics is aimed at showcasing the various initiatives of NIC in creating and enhancing the Digital Infrastructure in the country. Some of these are – setting up of ICT infrastructure, developing state of the art products to enable the government and empower the citizens, its initiatives at state and district level along the lines of Digital India initiatives along with the various awareness campaigns on Digital Payment Systems encompassing DBT, PFMS, Cashless Payment, Aadhaar etc.

The individual sessions during these three days would throw lights on NIC’s journey so far, the best practices it follows, the Digital India programme, Digital India initiatives from NIC State Units, success stories from the districts, Financial Inclusion, its technology awareness programmes and ICT Infrastructure being provided by NIC.

January 20, 2017
Dist. National Informatics Centres to be of international standards

NEW DELHI: Electronics and Information and Technology Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad has said the National Informatics Centre is the “technological bridge of India and is best placed to lead the way for a Digital India”

He urged the District Information Officers (DIOs) to be innovative and proactive. NIC must adopt a transformative approach to make a difference at the grassroots level. He appealed to the NIC to connect with the Common Service Centres (CSCs), who have successfully provided training on digital payment systems to over 19.6 million of rural citizens and 6,15,000 merchants.”

He was speaking at an event where the NIC kicked off the National Meet on Grassroot Informatics – VIVID: Weaving a Digital India here.

The inauguration of the three-day event was also attended Minister of State P P Chaudhary, Secretary Ms Aruna Sundararajan, Additional Secretary Ajay Kumar, NIC DG Ms Neeta Verma, and Deputy DG Ms Rama Nagpal.

Prasad announced the Government’s plan to set up a Government Security Operation Centre and a Data Centre for Cloud in Bhopal. He also announced that the Government is going to enhance the infrastructure of district NIC offices to international standards. As a pilot project, 150 District NIC offices would be upgraded during the period 2017-18, while rest will follow soon.

He instructed the ministry to develop a training module for the NIC officials to keep pace with the ever evolving technologies. He also announced the introduction of annual awards for the DIOs of the NIC for taking up exemplary innovative approach in their respective districts. The top three best innovators will get a reward of Rs 2,00,000, Rs 1,00,000 and Rs 50,000 respectively.

Chaudhary said, “The threshold of the year 2017 will always be remembered for heralding in several transformative changes to benefit the economy as well to the citizens, amongst them the Digital India initiative has been the most significant one. I must congratulate NIC and DIOs for playing a pivotal role in preparing the country for a successful Digital transformation of our ecosystem.

NIC also introduced two new portals – District Collector’s Dashboard and NIC Service Desk, which were launched by Prasad and Chaudhary respectively.

The National Meet on Grassroots Informatics is aimed at showcasing the various initiatives of NIC in creating and enhancing the Digital Infrastructure in the country. Some of these are – setting up of ICT infrastructure, developing state of the art products to enable the government and empower the citizens, its initiatives at state and district level along the lines of Digital India initiatives along with the various awareness campaigns on Digital Payment Systems encompassing DBT, PFMS, Cashless Payment, Aadhaar etc.

The individual sessions during these three days would throw lights on NIC’s journey so far, the best practices it follows, the Digital India programme, Digital India initiatives from NIC State Units, success stories from the districts, Financial Inclusion, its technology awareness programmes and ICT Infrastructure being provided by NIC.

January 20, 2017
Idea, Star Den among Rs-1200 cr FDI proposals approved; latter to switch to investing biz

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

Other companies that have been cleared are — Sanofi Synthelabo India, Recipharm Participation B.V. Netherlands, Boehringer Ingelheim India Pvt. Ltd, A. Menarini India Private Limited. Six proposals have been deferred for further discussions — Gland Pharma Limited, Flag Telecom Singapore Pte Limited, Crest Premedia Solutions Pvt. Ltd, Scientific Publishing Services Pvt Ltd, You Broadband India Limited and Netmagic Solutions Pvt. Ltd.

There were a total of 17 proposals recommended by FIPB in its meeting held on 29 December 2016 headed by economic affairs secretary Shaktikanta Das.

Idea Cellular Infrastructure Services Ltd’s proposal to take on record the increase of foreign investment in ICISL beyond 50 per cent and allow foreign investment in ICISL up to 67.5 per cent received approval.

Star Den Media Services’ proposal to discontinue its existing business of providing support services to broadcasters in relation to TV channel distribution business, and thus continue to act only as investing company was also okayed.

The Finance Ministry on the recommendation of the Foreign Investments Promotion Board has thus given permission to Den only to continue as investing company. Thus, no new foreign investment is involved.

The committee deferred decision on a proposal by Flag Telecom Singapore Pte Limited Singapore, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Reliance Communications (RCOM), India seeking approval to acquire 100 per cent shares of M/s Reliance Global Cloud Xchange Limited which was incorporated in June 2016 by Indian residents.

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. SBM Holding will amalgamate into CPSPL, which is part of the Springer Group of companies.

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 today.

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, as was a proposal by M/s Scientific Publishing Services Pvt Ltd for issuance of equity shares to the non-resident shareholders of M/s Springer SBM Services Limited, a Mauritius Company under a Scheme of Amalgamation of SBM Services with SPSPL, pursuant to approval of the High Court.

Also Read :

Nod to Idea, Star Den & four may fetch Rs 1200 cr FDI; You & Crest proposals deferred

Star Den, Flag Telecom, You & Idea FDI meet on 28 Dec

January 20, 2017
Idea, Star Den among Rs-1200 cr FDI proposals approved; latter to switch to investing biz

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

Other companies that have been cleared are — Sanofi Synthelabo India, Recipharm Participation B.V. Netherlands, Boehringer Ingelheim India Pvt. Ltd, A. Menarini India Private Limited. Six proposals have been deferred for further discussions — Gland Pharma Limited, Flag Telecom Singapore Pte Limited, Crest Premedia Solutions Pvt. Ltd, Scientific Publishing Services Pvt Ltd, You Broadband India Limited and Netmagic Solutions Pvt. Ltd.

There were a total of 17 proposals recommended by FIPB in its meeting held on 29 December 2016 headed by economic affairs secretary Shaktikanta Das.

Idea Cellular Infrastructure Services Ltd’s proposal to take on record the increase of foreign investment in ICISL beyond 50 per cent and allow foreign investment in ICISL up to 67.5 per cent received approval.

Star Den Media Services’ proposal to discontinue its existing business of providing support services to broadcasters in relation to TV channel distribution business, and thus continue to act only as investing company was also okayed.

The Finance Ministry on the recommendation of the Foreign Investments Promotion Board has thus given permission to Den only to continue as investing company. Thus, no new foreign investment is involved.

The committee deferred decision on a proposal by Flag Telecom Singapore Pte Limited Singapore, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Reliance Communications (RCOM), India seeking approval to acquire 100 per cent shares of M/s Reliance Global Cloud Xchange Limited which was incorporated in June 2016 by Indian residents.

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. SBM Holding will amalgamate into CPSPL, which is part of the Springer Group of companies.

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 today.

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, as was a proposal by M/s Scientific Publishing Services Pvt Ltd for issuance of equity shares to the non-resident shareholders of M/s Springer SBM Services Limited, a Mauritius Company under a Scheme of Amalgamation of SBM Services with SPSPL, pursuant to approval of the High Court.

Also Read :

Nod to Idea, Star Den & four may fetch Rs 1200 cr FDI; You & Crest proposals deferred

Star Den, Flag Telecom, You & Idea FDI meet on 28 Dec

January 20, 2017