ITV

Tag: Doordarshan

  • Only 70 per cent of the Indian pay-TV market will be digitised by 2023: MPA report

    Only 70 per cent of the Indian pay-TV market will be digitised by 2023: MPA report

    MUMBAI: The process of digitisation in India currently seems to be stuck in limbo. Even with several deadlines being set, the country doesn’t seem to have progressed much even in digital addressable systems (DAS) phase II, let alone phases III and IV. A new report from Media Partners Asia (MPA) has predicted key findings about the cable and DTH industry in India between 2013 and 2023.

     

    It expects the next five years to be a period of robust growth of India’s pay-TV market. MPA projects that the pay TV industry in the country will grow from $7.4 billion in revenue in 2013 to $12.3 billion by 2018.

     

    The growth in revenue will be equal to an average annual growth rate of 11 per cent between the years 2013 to 2018. By 2023, it expects the industry to generate revenues of approximately $ 16.4 billion. The findings by MPA were published in the report ‘India Pay-TV and Broadband-Future Trends’.

     

    The study states that by the end of 2013, India had approximately 65 million paying digital subscribers. MPA projections indicate that only 70 per cent of the Indian pay-TV market will be digitised by 2023.

     

    The total number of TV households in India is currently pegged at around 160 million with nearly 20 million on terrestrial only. This will be the growth opportunity for alternative platforms as cable and DTH will find it unviable to penetrate into the interiors of the country. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has given a deadline of 31 December 2014 for completion of digitisation. If one goes by the MPA report, India has a long way to go for 100 per cent digitisation.

     

    From 2015 to 2017 will see an upward trend as DAS will take off in phase III and IV areas. After 2017, the time will be for consolidation and monetisation as subscriber growth will decelerate.

     

    While the growth during 2009 to 2013 was driven by volume, the next five years will be led by average revenue per user (ARPU). At the end of the 2018, pay TV subscribers will hit 165 million and by 2023, it will be 180 million. This implies a long term penetration of 80 per cent.

     

    The growth will also give wide space for alternative platforms such as Doordarshan-owned Free Dish, headend-in-the-sky (HITS) and over-the-top media (OTT) apart from cable and DTH, which will address the need gap between TV households and pay TV subscribers.

     

    DTH industry revenues are expected to reach $4 billion by 2018 and $5.5 billion by 2023. This will be due to healthy subscriber additions from 2014 to 2016 and by improved churn and suspension management. The active DTH subscriber base is expected to grow from 37 million in 2013 to 60 million by 2018 and 70 million by 2023. Thus, DTH will have a 39 per cent share of the pay-TV market by 2023 and 56 per cent share of the digital market.

     

    MPA predicts that the total digital cable subscribers will be 50 million by 2018 and 55 million by 2023. Digital cable conversion will shoot up from 29 per cent in 2013 to 48 per cent by 2018 and 50 per cent by 2023. This will enable growth in cable broadband. It expects share of cable in the fixed broadband market to grow from 6 per cent to nearly 15 per cent from 2013 to 2023.

     

    The projected total pay-TV channel revenues for broadcasters, including advertising and subscription will grow from $3.3 billion in 2013 to $6 billion by 2018 and $8.3 billion by 2023.

     

    Meanwhile the pay-TV ad market is expected to grow at 8.6 per cent CAGR over 2013 to 2023 while broadcaster subscription revenues are expected to grow at 11.3 per cent over the same period. This will be due to improved macro-economic conditions, sub-segmentation of existing genres and new advertiser categories.

     

    “The Indian market is important because of its accessibility for global media distributors and investors and its high levels of pay-TV penetration. Ever changing regulations are destabilising but the government’s DAS mandate will be an important catalyst while improved supply side factors, including healthy financial markets and investments from international strategists are also critical,” says MPA India VP Mihir Shah.

  • Doordarshan to explore ‘Dastan-E-Urdu’ – the story of a culture and language

    Doordarshan to explore ‘Dastan-E-Urdu’ – the story of a culture and language

    NEW DELHI:  A new series on the story of Urdu as representing the evolution of India’s secular, syncretic identity is to be telecast on Doordarshan’s national channel every Sunday from this week.

     

    The 13-episode docudrama Dasten-e-Urdu series with music by the renowned singer Shubha Mudgal has been directed by Aparna Srivastava Reddy and produced by eminent Urdu activist Kamna Prasad and will be telecast on Sundays at 9:30 pm.

     

    According to the makers, languages reveal the history of a civilisation and the texture of a culture, then.

     

    The series brings alive the fascinating history of this language, breaking the myths by unveiling several interesting cross-cultural connections.

      

    Dastan-E-Urdu explores the journey of Urdu language and its mushtarqa tehzeeb. Be it literature, journalism or popular culture that is expressed in recent times through theatre, films, television or the new media, Urdu language has retained its eminent place in the mind and hearts of people.

     

    In order to showcase the language’s grandeur and its tehzeeb in purest sense, the producers have deployed deep research into Urdu’s language journey while conceptualising it. The show takes the viewer on a pan-India journey, capturing all the aspects and nuances that underscore Urdu’s poetic opulence, its Ganga-Jamuni syncretic essence as well its everlasting, universal appeal.

     

    ‘Understanding the evolution of Urdu, gives fresh insights into who we are as Indians’ is the bottom line of the show. Covering myriad shades and influences of Urdu language, the programme is being shot all over the country – from Kashmir to Kerala. It delves into dramatisation of key personalities and reconstructions of key periods in the history of the language.

     

    A galaxy of experts including professor Gopi Chand Narang, Javed Akhtar, professor Shamim Hanfi, Shamsur Rehman Farukhi, Pandit Gulzar Dehlvi, professor Mushirul Hasan, Dr Karan Singh and Farooq Sheikh among other stalwarts creates a panoramic view of Urdu’s evolutionary journey for the viewer.  

  • Vijaya Laxmi Chhabra named interim DG of Doordarshan

    Vijaya Laxmi Chhabra named interim DG of Doordarshan

    MUMBAI: Even before the current Doordarshan director general (DG) Tripurari Sharan’s term comes to an end later this month, a new person who would later take charge has been found.

     

    Vijaya  Laxmi Chhabra has been named as the interim DG of Doordarshan. She was the former ADG (programmes) in All India Radio and was set to retire in March. She will hold charge till the next DG is found.

     

    Prasar Bharati sources told indiantelevision.com that the process of appointing a final DG will be undertaken as soon as some of the vacant posts in Prasar Bharati Board are filled.

     

    Indiantelevision.com had earlier reported that there were nine contenders for the post of DG, one of whom was Chhabra. The other names that featured in list were MIB joint secretary of broadcasting Supriya Sahu, culture ministry joint secretary V Srinivas, Mahesh Joshi, Deepa Chandra, Aparna Vaish, Mukesh Sharma and Lalsonga.

     

    Doordarshan additional director general Ranjan Thakur was also one of the names proposed for the position, but due to his unavailability, Chhabra will be the DG for a while.

  • No ideological apartheid or hate in invitations to media by Prasar Bharati: Javadekar

    No ideological apartheid or hate in invitations to media by Prasar Bharati: Javadekar

    NEW DELHI: The Government has emphasised that Prasar Bharati is ‘not overshadowed by ideological apartheid or hate.’

     

    Responding to a question, Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar said recently that Prasar Bharati carries out the public broadcasting services in a fair and objective manner and does not discriminate on the basis of ideologies.

     

    He said in Parliament recently that Prasar Bharati has informed the Ministry that no journalist has been decommissioned or debarred by Doordarshan to curtail their independence.

     

    Prasar Bharati has also said journalists are invited to various programmes according to the requirement of the subject, without any discrimination.

     

     The Minister made it clear that Prasar Bharati was a statutory autonomous body set up by an Act of Parliament – the Prasar Bharati (Broadcasting Corporation of India) Act 1990 – and “it is not a state run broadcasting network.”

  • DD Bharati explores music and monsoon with two new shows

    DD Bharati explores music and monsoon with two new shows

    NEW DELHI: Doordarshan is presenting its own ode to the monsoon – which is awaited by all to give a relief from the scorching heat – with two programmes which highlight the ragas and melodies based on classical music inspired by the rains.

     

    DD Bharati will telecast Ghan Garaje featuring Pt. Kumar Gandharva and Shobha Gurtu, on 19 July at 09:00 pm. The show will also see a repeat on 20 July at 05:00 am and 01:00 pm. This will be followed by an archival presentation The exalted portals of Thumri on 20 July at 9.00 pm and the repeat telecast at 5.00 am and 1.00 pm on 21 July.

     

    In Ghan Garaje, Gandharva and Gurtu will revoke Lord Indra (Rain God) with their music. In The exalted portals of Thumri, one can come closer to the three thumri queens —Naina Devi, Begum Akhtar and Girija Devi.

     

    The three regale their audience with their thumri repertoire. It is a virtual treat for those who have never heard them before as Naina Devi sings thumri, Begum Akhtar dwells on joli and Girija Devi recites a dadra.

     

    According to Doordarshan, there is a firm belief in Indians that music can change everything and it is the only art which remains pure irrespective of its form. Whether it is sung, played or heard, music never changes but influences those who are a part of its depth and untouched beauty.

     

    DD Bharati has also attempted to question people’s knowledge of the beauty of ragas. For example, while a few still remember Raga Deepak or Raga Amruthavarshini, the next generation is generally unaware of Baiju Bawra, Meera, Urvashi and her powers.

     

    The aim of DD Bharati is to revive these bits of knowledge that is slowly disappearing, through its programmes on Indian art and culture and take them to an international level.

  • New DD series to highlight contribution of Indian women scientists

    New DD series to highlight contribution of Indian women scientists

    NEW DELHI: Doordarshan is commencing a unique television series on trend-making women scientists which will commence from 20 July on DD Bharati.

     

    To be telecast at 8.30 am every Saturday, ‘Scientifically Yours’ is a 13-episode series, which will have interactive discussion and series on a section of society that has not been sufficiently covered in the country.

     

    The programme has been produced by Vigyan Prasar in collaboration with National Institute for Science communication and resources (NISCAIR).

     

     This is an effort to bring the living women legends in science on to the centre stage with their achievements and contributions and communicate to the youth of the country.

     

    This may help in creating role models for students and researchers especially for girl students and motivate them in pursuing careers in science and technology.

     

    Women scientists have been identified from various fields of research such as Physical Sciences, Biological sciences, Chemical sciences, Immunology, Agriculture etc.

     

    The eminent scientists being covered include Dr Indira Nath, a pioneer in the field of medical sciences who made major contributions and worked for Leprosy; eminent physicist Dr Bimla Butti who worked in the field of Plasma Physics from Physical Research Laboratory; renowned biotechnologist Dr Manju Sharma from the Department of Biotechnology of the Government; renowned scientist Dr Vibha Tandon working in the field of Medicinal Chemistry at Jawaharlal Nehru University; and eminent scientist Dr Sunita Saxena from the Indian Council for Medical Research who works in the field of Pathology.

     

    The others who would feature in the show include Dr Kasturi Datta who is pioneer in Cellular and Molecular Biology and worked in JNU; profound endocrinologist and Indian Institute of Immunology Director Dr Chandrima Shaha; Quantum physicist Dr Rupamanjari Ghosh and Dr Rupamanjari Ghosh from JNU and Honorary Scientist Dr Renu Khanna Chopra from the Indian Agricultural Research Institute who has worked on Photosynthesis in relation to crop productivity, mechanism of Heterosis and Drought resistance in crop plant.

  • Work begins on new Vijayawada DD Kendra for Andhra Pradesh

    Work begins on new Vijayawada DD Kendra for Andhra Pradesh

    NEW DELHI: The Government yesterday confirmed that it had received a proposal to create an interim set-up at the regional kendra of Doordarshan in Vijayawada to cater to the cultural and economic identities of Andhra Pradesh following bifurcation of the state.

     

    Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar informed Parliament yesterday that the proposal had been received from the DD Kendra at Hyderabad to start, on an interim basis, a two hour terrestrial transmission from 5 pm to 7 pm everyday including a 15 minute Telugu news bulletin.

     

    The rest 22 hours will be relayed from DDK Hyderabad, since DDK Vijayawada is currently only a programme generating facility (PGF).

     

    Earlier, DD sources had told indianlevision.com that the aim would be to ultimately turn the Vijayawada Kendra into a 24-hour Kendra because the Hyderabad Kendra would become a part of the new state Telangana.

     

    Consequently, Doordarshan has started planning production and transmission facilities that are similar to its Kendra in Hyderabad.

     

    Doordarshan has already taken an initiative to upgrade the existing facilities of Doordarshan Kendra at Vijayawada which presently has one 150 square metre studio and a teleport satellite uplinking facility.

     

    Doordarshan director general Tripurari Sharan and additional director general VK Jain recently visited the Vijayawada Kendra and discussed widespread plan for its upgradation with engineering and programme officers. Sharan asked officers to fast-track its upgradation plan and complete it in a time bound manner, directing Jain to personally monitor the progress.

     

    The DD Saptagiri channel running from Hyderabad will be renamed DD Telangana and the DD Saptagiri channel will be retained for residual state of Andhra Pradesh.

  • Govt yet to work out details of Krishi channel, says I&B Ministry

    Govt yet to work out details of Krishi channel, says I&B Ministry

    NEW DELHI: Even as details are being worked out by Prasar Bharati in consultation with the stakeholders for a Krishi (farmer) channel as outlined by the finance minister Arun Jaitley in his budget, no definite timeframe has been fixed for commencement of the channel.

     

    Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Ministry sources said this will depend on availability of resources and manpower after the details have been worked out. 

     

    Jaitley had announced in his budget speech on 10 July that a sum of Rs 100 crore would be allocated for this channel. However, the budget for the I&B Ministry shows an allocation of Rs 90 crore for this in the year 2014-15.

     

    Meanwhile, the Krishi Darshan programmes of Doordarshan are being telecast under the ‘mass media support to agriculture extension’ funded by the Agriculture Ministry focussing on dissemination of modern agricultural techniques by involving experts from various fields like insurance, banking, credit for farmers, state government schemes on agriculture/ fisheries/veterinary science/water and soil conservation/social forestry etc.

     

    In addition, a recently introduced programme Mera Gaon Connection telecast at prime time on DD National also introduces modern agricultural techniques to the viewers.  

     

    Meanwhile, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Processing Industries Sanjeev Kumar Balyan told Parliament that the “mass media support to agricultural extension and focused publicity campaigns has been strengthened to reach out to all farmers including small and marginal.”

     

    The audio and video spots and success stories are being aired through All India Radio (AIR), Doordarshan and private channels operating at the national and regional level.  

     

    The other component of the mass media initiative is the use of 96 FM Transmitters of AIR to broadcast area specific agricultural programmes with 30 minutes radio transmission in the evening six days a week. Focused advertisement campaigns which cut across all the divisions of the ministry have been continuing since July 2010.

     

    The campaigns are being launched through print as well as electronic media to create awareness about the assistance available under various schemes of the Department of Agriculture and Cooperation.

  • Telecast of DD to be made mandatory on all cable and DTH platforms: Javadekar

    Telecast of DD to be made mandatory on all cable and DTH platforms: Javadekar

    NEW DELHI: Telecast of Doordarshan will be made mandatory on every direct to home and cable network, according to Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar.

     

    Speaking at a press meet in Ahmedabad, Javadekar said his aim was to make Doordarshan and All India Radio the first choice for viewers.

     

    Javadekar invited suggestions from the public in this regard. “I held a meeting with local officials and asked them to come with ideas to improve the content of DD and AIR,” he said. “To do that, we have decided to invite suggestions from people about what they would like to watch and listen,” he added.

     

    “We are taking steps to make Doordarshan channels available in all cable TV as well as direct to home platforms.”

     

    He stressed on the need to convert the Medium Wave (MW) frequency of Akashvani to FM, “as a majority of radio sets catch only FM signals these days.”

     

  • Terrestrial TV to be opened for private participation: Javadekar

    Terrestrial TV to be opened for private participation: Javadekar

    MUMBAI: Is the Modi government likely to pry open terrestrial television to private broadcasters?  Terrestrial TV has been the exclusive turf of public broadcaster Prasar Bharati, apart from a short stint where it leased out a programming block to Ozzie broadcaster Kerry Packer around 12-13 years ago.

    It is quite likely to, if one goes by the response of Information & Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar to a question in the Parliament on 9 July. PTI quotes him as saying that Doordarshan is digitising its analogue terrestrial network.

    “Consequently the number of digitised channels would go up. DD would thereafter be in a position to invite private free-to-air TV channels for meaningful business plan in this regard,” he added.

    This was one of the options provided by the Sam Pitroda committee earlier this year.  The committee had recommended two options: one to totally move the pubcaster to satellite transmission via DD Direct. And, two, to upgrade its analogue terrestrial network to DVBT2 to meet its need to deliver content meeting both national and regional coverage needs.

    The report had recommended that DD could opt for selected use of DVB-T2/DVB-NGH terrestrial  technology in partnership with private players if commercially feasible in order to enhance the capacity of each transmitter to eight to 10 channels.

    The committee, however, had cautioned that DD would have to transform itself into two separate companies handling content creation and managing infrastructure to allow private participation. Additionally, it had added that DD would have to provide a subsidy to increase the affordability of DVBT2/DVB-NGH receivers as they are not readily available at affordable prices in India.

    Even the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India had in 2005 recommended that terrestrial television should be thrown open to private sector participation as is the case in most countries.