ITV

Category: Terrestrial

  • DD does not envisage any new transmitters except in border areas: Rathore

    DD does not envisage any new transmitters except in border areas: Rathore

    NEW DELHI: While denying a slowdown in Doordarshan’s expansion plans, the Government said that new transmitters are not envisaged except for a few in the border areas.

     

    Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Rathore told Parliament that this was in view of multichannel TV coverage having been provided in the entire country through Doordarshan’s free to air DTH service.

     

    However, as part of continuing schemes of 12th Plan, Doordarshan has set up High Power Transmitter (HPT) (interim setup) at Mehaboobnagar and a Very Low Power Transmitter (VLPT) at Joginder Nagar during the last three years. 

     

    Doordarshan has also approved five new transmitters to be set-up in Jammu and Kashmir: High Power Transmitters (DD1 & DD News) Rajouri; HPT, Natha Top (Patni Top); HPT, Himbotingla Top; and HPT, Green Ridge.

     

    A total of 21 radio channels (programmes) of AIR have been made available through DTH platform DD Freedish (Ku-band) and these can be received through a set top box all over the country including uncovered areas.

     

    Doordarshan’s terrestrial coverage is estimated to be available to about 92 per cent of population spread over 81 per cent area of the country.

     

    The areas uncovered by terrestrial transmitters along with rest of the country have been provided with multichannel TV coverage through Doordarshan’s free to air DTH service Freedish. It is possible to receive DTH signals anywhere in the country with the help of a small sized dish receive unit. Equipment for upgradation of DTH platform from 59 TV channels to 97 to 112 TV channels has been installed recently.

     

    Besides these, Doordarshan’s regular 22 channels are available on satellite mode and through cable network, which is the most preferred source of viewership and receptional viewership.

     

    DD is expanding its Freedish services for which viewers will get to see 112 channels as against 59 at present.  

  • Parliamentary Committee regrets 17 years’ delay in transferring land resources to Prasar Bharati

    Parliamentary Committee regrets 17 years’ delay in transferring land resources to Prasar Bharati

    NEW DELHI: A Parliamentary Committee has said that it finds it “very hard to believe that even after a lapse of 17 years, the Centre has not formulated the terms and conditions of transfer” of certain property and assets to Prasar Bharati help the pubcaster monetize these.

     

    Since Prasar Bharati needs funds, and monetization of land can provide the much needed revenue, the Parliamentary Standing Committee for Information Technology, which also examines Information and Broadcasting, has suggested that “while complete inventorisation is undertaken, simultaneous efforts may be made to unlock the value of a few select identified properties as a ‘pilot case.’”

     

    The Committee had been given to understand that Prasar Bharati had submitted certain proposals to the Ministry for monetization of available land resources for garnering revenue, which could be effectively utilized by them for development purposes.

     

    However, these proposals are yet to be approved by the Ministry pending fulfillment of procedural formalities required under provisions of the Prasar Bharati Act 1990.

     

    Under Section 16 of the Prasar Bharati Act, all property and assets shall stand transferred to (Prasar Bharati) on such terms and conditions as may be determined by the Central Government and the book value of all such property and assets shall be treated as the capital provided by the Central Government to the Corporation, on the terms and conditions to be determined by the Central Government.

     

    Noting that the Cabinet approved the proposal for financial restructuring of Prasar Bharati in September 2012, the Committee has expressed surprise that no action has been taken as yet.

     

    According to the Ministry, the Cabinet decision/approval has to be effected on issue of formal transfer order spelling out the terms and conditions after completion of inventorisation of all assets under them.

  • Parliamentary Committee pushes for DD Kisan launch during current fiscal

    Parliamentary Committee pushes for DD Kisan launch during current fiscal

    NEW DELHI: A Parliamentary Committee has said that the Information and Broadcasting Ministry (MIB) should complete all remaining infrastructural and studio up-gradation work for Doordarshan’s Kisan Channel scheme during the current fiscal itself. The Committee also asked MIB to judiciously spend the Rs 35 crore, which has been earmarked for content.

     

    The Standing Committee on Information Technology, which also examines issues relating to MIB urged the Ministry and Prasar Bharati to focus on areas of advancement of the channel by generation of rich content and ensure active participation of experts in the field of agriculture and agronomy so that the dedicated Kisan Channel proves to be an advancement over the Krishi Darshan Programmes and that the farmers benefit out of it.

     

    The Committee noted that the Scheme of Kisan Channel had been approved during the year 2014-15 with an initial allocation of Rs 100 crore: Rs 90 crore for Doordarshan and Rs 10 crore for All India Radio (AIR).

     

    A Ministry source told Indiantelevision.com that the allocation to AIR was for content generation for the DD Kisan TV channel.

     

    However, the Committee said that the budget estimates allocation was reduced to Rs 26 crore at the revised estimates stage, which was utilized fully during the year 2014-15.

     

    The Ministry informed the Committee that the BE allocation for the Scheme was reduced owing to factors such as gestation period involved in carrying out research for writing script authenticated by Agricultural Scientists and experts preparing rich content.

     

    The Committee stressed the significance of a channel like this in an agrarian country like India where issues like dissemination of real time information on farming techniques, water conservation, organic farming, etc. hold crucial importance to the farmers.

     

    With regard to the targets, the Committee noted that earmarking of a dedicated studio had been made; 51 professionals had joined the channel against 67 posts advertised; and efforts had been made to impart training and orientation of manpower working in Kisan Channel from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI). Integrated automated play out system for the channel had been installed and apart from procurement of equipment, the Direct-to-home facility had been upgraded.

     

    During the year 2015-16, the Ministry proposes to spend Rs 10 crore on infrastructure development and Rs 35 crore on generating content for the channel.

     

  • Parliamentary Committee lambasts Govt on lax approach towards Sam Pitroda report

    Parliamentary Committee lambasts Govt on lax approach towards Sam Pitroda report

    NEW DELHI: A Parliamentary Standing Committee has once again lashed at the Information and Broadcasting Ministry and Prasar Bharati for failing to make any headway in implementation of the Sam Pitroda Committee Recommendations.

     

    The Standing Committee on Information Technology, which also examines issues relating to the I&B Ministry, said it was “disquieting to note that there has not been much headway in the implementation of the recommendations of the report, which was presented to the Government in February 2014.”

     

    For the first time, the Parliamentary Committee, which had castigated the government on this issue just a few months earlier, has given the Ministry a period of three months in which to submit a report of action taken.

     

    It noted that the Expert Committee had been constituted to review the institutional framework of Prasar Bharati, including its relationship with the Government.

     

    “There seems to be lack of coordination and cohesion between the I&B Ministry and Prasar Bharati in so far as implementation of these recommendations are concerned, because Prasar Bharati claims to have taken several operational and policy initiatives separately, particularly in the absence of any clarity from the Government about the acceptance of the Sam Pitroda Committee’s entire range of recommendations,” the Committee said.

     

    Taking a serious note, the Parliamentary Committee said that it took “a serious view of this casual and lackadaisical approach of the Government on such an important matter.”

     

    Considering that the overall action plan of Prasar Bharati was getting delayed, the Committee recommended that the Ministry should come out with a definite action plan for the implementation of the recommendations of the Expert Committee in a time-bound manner.

     

    Meanwhile, the Committee also said the Ministry may suitably amend the provisions of the Prasar Bharati Act 1990 so that the functional autonomy of Prasar Bharati envisaged in the Act is not diluted and the much desired autonomy for the national broadcaster is secured.

     

    It noted that the Group of Ministers (GoM) on Prasar Bharati had reviewed the Prasar Bharati Act 1990 and recommended certain amendments to improve the governance in Prasar Bharati. But the Committee had been told that these contentious Sections were not covered in the GoM recommendations.

     

    The Committee said it had been given to understand that the sections in the Prasar Bharati Act 1990, which empower the Central Government to regulate the recruitment conditions in Prasar Bharati are impinging upon the autonomous character of the organization.

     

    It was informed that the Ministry is in the process of assessing and analysing the proposals made in the Prasar Bharati (Broadcasting Corporation of India) Amendment Bill. 

     

  • DD Bharati to telecast Indian adaptation of Russian play

    DD Bharati to telecast Indian adaptation of Russian play

    NEW DELHI: Doordarshan’s cultural channel DD Bharati will telecast a Hindi play titled Pahunch Wala Aadmi, which is adapted from the Russian play A Man with Connections by Alexander Gelman.

     

    The play will be telecast on 26 April at 6 am and 2 pm.

     

    Directed by Bharti Sharma and staged by Kshitij Theatre Group, Pahunch Wala Aadmi is a poignant portrayal of the present times where people adapt to the inhuman ways, and the way society functions, especially in the corporate sphere.

     

    Ajeet, the protagonist, is a victim of such situations. He is a person caught-up in the rat-race, all entangled up in the nets and traps of the corporate world. Manipulation, calculation and the lies overtake the simplicity and honesty of his character. He functions like a machine with absolutely no sense of right or wrong. It is finally Neena, his wife, who makes him realize his worthlessness and the heavy price that he had to pay to obtain this status. But, it was too late and he was left with nothing at all.

     

    Sharma has proved her talent both as director and actress, by being able to bring out the inner turmoil, the sub text of the play in an effective manner.

     

    Additionally, DD Bharati will also presents Oorja – Kathak by Shovana Narayan and Thumri by Kumud Diwan – at 9 pm on 26 April, with a repeat telecast on 27 April at 5 am and 1 pm. This a telecast of a recent performance of Padmashri Kathak danseuse Narayan performed to the tune of ‘Kya din thay who… Rang mai dooba’ through ‘abhinaya’, touching the heartstrings of the audience. The lively rhythms of Lucknow thumris resonated in the voice of Hindustani semi-classical singer Kumud Diwan, who was the co-performer for Oorja, provided positive energy. The concert was organised by the Indian Cancer Society.

  • NCERT to use Doordarshan’s archival content for educational DVDs

    NCERT to use Doordarshan’s archival content for educational DVDs

    NEW DELHI: Doordarshan (DD) has tied-up with the National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to share and disseminate its DD archival content in the form of educational DVDs.

     

    This novel project by NCERT aims at bringing forth a ‘Teachers Handbook in Dance, Music and Theatre’, which will be supported by multi-media packages and DVDs. This endeavor, directed towards teachers and students, will serve as multidimensional tool to disseminate arts in schools in an organised and effective manner.

     

    As a first step, a MOU was signed today between Doordarshan Archives additional director general Anita Sinha and NCERT secretary Sudeshna Sen.

     

    NCERT will identify and access the programmes available with DD-Archives. While DD will not charge NCERT for the programme content made available for the project, NCERT will pay for re-purpose, repackage and production of the identified programmes by NCERT.

     

    NCERT will disseminate the final content at its own cost and not commercially exploit the same.

     

    The MOU will initially be for a period of three years and could be extended by mutual consent.

     

    The initial phase of the project would cover Theatres of India, National symbols of India, Indian Classical Music (Vocal & Instrumental) and Folk music and Dance.

     

    This first-of-a kind project for Doordarshan is in sync with the Government’s directive to share with other Government Departments and Ministries its archival wealth, which could be utilised for public use.

  • Narendra Modi’s Mann ki Baat on 26 April

    Narendra Modi’s Mann ki Baat on 26 April

    NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Mann ki Baat will be aired live on 26 April simultaneously on all channels of All India Radio and Doordarshan. 

     

    The program will also be live-streamed on the Prime Minister’s official website. 

    In a tweet he said, “Looking forward to ‘Mann Ki Baat’ on the 26th of this month.” This is the seventh edition of the radio program in which PM shares his thoughts with the citizens. 
     

    Modi has already interacted directly with the people in the earlier six editions ofMann Ki Baat. He has dwelt upon several issues close to the hearts of the people such as Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, promotion of khadi, skill development, scholarships for disabled children, infrastructure for educational institutions, menace of drugs and the issues related to farmers.

     

    In the last edition broadcast on 22 March, he shared the concerns of farmers and said that the government will take proper and prompt steps to resolve their problems and do its level best to help them tide over difficult situation. 
     

    In another earlier edition, Modi urged students to shed their examination stress and develop a positive attitude.

     

    He also shared the Mann Ki Baat forum with US President Barack Obama during his visit to India in January when the two leaders interacted with the people on a host of issues. 

     

    Modi has from time to time invited citizens to share their ideas and thoughts on the subject in the Open Forum of MyGov.in. The programme has generated an encouraging response from citizens across the country. 

  • 14th DD Sahyadri Navratna Awards 2015 scheduled on 23 April

    14th DD Sahyadri Navratna Awards 2015 scheduled on 23 April

    MUMBAI: Doordarshan’s Sahyadri Navratna Awards 2015, which honour Maharashtrians across various fields, will take place on 23 April at Ravindra Natya Mandir at 7 pm.

     

    Doordarshan additional director general Mukesh Sharma said, “The last 14 years have been a joyous journey for us and we are glad to announce that hon’ble Governor of Maharashtra C Vidyasagar Rao will grace the occasion as the Chief Guests for the evening.”

     

    Following the announcement, addressees including retired justice C.L. Thul, All India Business Association president Vijay Kalantri and veteran actor and theater personality Vikram Gokhale, shared their pride in association with the now 14 year old award ceremony.

     

    Gokhale also expressed his joy in the positive feedback they have received after introducing the Lifetime Achievement Award (Jaavan Ratna) last year, which will be awarded to the prolific screenplay writer GR Kamat this year.

     

    The other nine awardees include:

     

    • Swara Ratna (excellence in music): Usha Mangeshkar
     
    • Ratna Vaibhav (excellence in business): Baba Kalyani
     
    • Natyra Ratna (excellence in theatre): Jayant Savarka
     
    • Ratna Sharada (woman of substance): Dr Tara Bhawalkar
     
    • Sahitya Ratna (excellence in literature): Dr Sadanand More
     
    • Chitra Ratna (excellence in film): Mahesh Kothare
     
    • Ratna Darpan (excellence in journalism): Suresh Dwadashiwar
     
    • Kala Ratna (excellence in art): B R Khedkar
     
    • Ratna Sourabh (excellence in sports): Virdhawal Khade
     

     

    The panel of judges for this year constitutes ex. commissioner of Municipal Corporation Of Greater Mumbai Karun Shrivastav, retired judge C.S Thul, veteran actress Suhas Joshi, senior journalist and writer Girish Kuber and ndustrialist Vijay Kalantri.

     

  • DD to air Australian pre-school kids series ‘Bananas in Pyjamas’

    DD to air Australian pre-school kids series ‘Bananas in Pyjamas’

    NEW DELHI: Doordarshan is all set to commence telecast of a children’s series later this month in collaboration with Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

     

    The series, Bananas in Pyjamas will be telecast on DD National every Sunday at 10.30 am from 26 April.

     

    To promote the programme, the two loveable children’s characters from the series are presenting their first Banana in Pyjamas live shows in Delhi this week. While the first was held on 16 April, the second will take place on 18 April. The live shows have already been presented in Mumbai.

     

    B1 and B2 as they are known have been among the most successful child characters on television to have come out of Australia. Sold to more than 80 countries around the world, the two Bananas have been invited to the White House, helped open the Sydney Olympic Games and are loved by missions of pre-schoolers the world over.

     

    The series feature stories and music that are fun and playful and is set in Cuddlestown where the Bananas live with their friends the teddies, Lulu, Morgan and Amy and the mischievous Rat in the Hat.

     

    From 26 April, they will be joined on DD National by another set of Australian child characters – Giggle and Hoot. Jimmy Giggle and his own pal Hoot live in a world where curiosity and imagination rule and where the ordinary is extraordinary.

     

    The Bananas in Pyjamas and Giggle and Hoot are produced by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and has been brought to DD National by ABC’s International Broadcasting Service Australia Plus.

     

    Prasar Bharati CEO Jawhar Sircar said, “The launch of Australia Plus Kids’ programming on DD National is a joyous occasion for it would help Indians better appreciate Australia and its culture. I also look forward to ABC helping us in getting across to Australian audience to let them closely know and understand India, its heritage and its culture.”

  • DD to air special documentary on film legend Mrinal Sen

    DD to air special documentary on film legend Mrinal Sen

    NEW DELHI: Doordarshan will telecast an exclusive documentary on the life of living legendary filmmaker Mrinal Sen titled Celebrating Mrinal Sen.

     

    This documentary will be shown in four episodes and is scheduled for telecast on 18, 19, 25 and 26 April at 9 pm on DD National. 

     

    The archival documentary is primarily based on conversations between the maestro and film critic and analyst Sameek Bandyopadhyay. The conversation is interspersed with relevant excerpts from his memorable films and comments from actors and associate crew members, who worked with him in his different projects. 

     

    The last episode is a free flowing conversation between Sen’s only son Kunal and his parents. Almost all the living actors, who have been associated with this iconic director have talked about Sen and their personal experiences of working and interacting with him. 

     

    A DVD of this documentary was handed over recently to Sen and his wife Gita Sen by Prasar Bharati CEO Jawhar Sircar.

     

    It will later be telecast across other national and regional channels of Doordarshan like DD Bangla, DD Bharati etc, with dubbing and subtitling. 

     

    Born on 14 May, 1923 and now aged 91, Sen is often considered to be one of the greatest ambassadors of Indian parallel cinema on the global stage. Along with Satyajit Ray and Ritwik Ghatak, his cinema is known for its artistic depiction of social reality and the three directors were responsible for starting a wave of parallel art cinema in West Bengal.