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Tag: MIB

  • MIB mandates IN-SPACe authorisation for use of foreign satellite capacity in broadcasting services

    MIB mandates IN-SPACe authorisation for use of foreign satellite capacity in broadcasting services

    Mumbai: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has issued a directive to satellite TV channels and teleport operators to obtain authorization from the government-backed Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) for using foreign satellite capacity for broadcasting services.

    In an advisory dated 10 July, the MIB stated that existing arrangements for using capacity in C, Ku, or Ka frequency bands from foreign satellite operators can be extended until 31 March 2025.

    “Starting from April 1, 2025, only IN-SPACe authorized non-Indian Geostationary Orbit (GSO) satellites and/or Non-Geostationary Satellite Orbit (NGSO) satellite constellations will be permitted to provide their capacity for space-based communication and broadcast services in India,” the advisory states.

    The ministry mentioned further that applications for authorisation must be submitted through the IN-SPACe website by an Indian entity, which could be an Indian subsidiary, a joint venture/collaboration, or an authorized dealer/representative of the foreign satellite operator in India.

    NewSpace India has leased transponder capacity in C, Ku, and extended C bands from both Indian and foreign satellites.

    As of March 2023, the Department of Space reported that 18 communication satellites were operating over India, equipped with communication transponders in C-band, Extended C-band, Ku-band, Ka/Ku band, and S-band.

    About 70 transponders in Ku-band and High Throughput Satellite (HTS) capacity of 1.6 GHz were leased from international satellite operators, while an additional 40 transponders in C-band were directly leased by broadcasters for TV uplinking.

  • Ad self-certification: Industry requests MIB to postpone implementation

    Ad self-certification: Industry requests MIB to postpone implementation

    Mumbai: For most in the media industry, 18 June appears to be a very ominous day. Four days from now, agencies and brands will have to ensure that every advertisement – whether created for print, internet, radio or for TV – is put through a process of self-certification with the portals https://new.broadcastingseva.gov.in or https://presscouncil.gov.in.

    In fact, so stressed are they with the impending date that the Indian Society of Advertisers (ISA) has petitioned the ministry of information and broadcasting to postponed the self certification process as, citing issues such as delays in uploading to the portals..

    In a letter to the MIB secretary Sanjay Jaju on 12 June, ISA chairman Sanjiv Kataria has expressed the industry’s support to the initiative, but has asked for deferment of the date until the supreme  court hears their concerns about the latter’s order passed on 7 May 2024. The ministry has made it mandatory for advertisers/agencies to self certify  ads, and for publisher/broadcasters s to ensure they collect the certificates before publishing or telecasting any ads from clients.

    Kataria in his letter has pointed out to issues such as a lack of security for the uploads, lagging, slow uploads, challenges in OTP generation, file size limitation of 1 MB for every creatve, signing authority for each creative, duration of validity of the certification, whether every language version,  social media message, tweet, reel, AFP, brand integration needs to be certified – among many other areas where there is a lack of clarity. Please see attachment with this story for the issues raised by the ISA.

    Urgent Request to Postpone Implementation of Self-Declaration Process

    Industry veterans have welcomed the move by the supreme court and the MIB to self certify ads and marketing communications. Says former ad executive and former CEO of Star India Peter Mukerjea: “The industry brought this on themselves by some advertisers making wild, inaccurate , insane, irresponsible claims about all kinds of stuff – agencies not following an ethical or moral standard, creatives making a mockery of features including sometimes potentially life threatening behaviour and chucking in celebs to popularise the messaging ! (Eg SRK driving a  car like a nut case in and out of  lanes and so on, not to mention Patanjali and any number of such ) . ASCI turned a blind eye and is almost irrelevant. Personally Im glad this speed breaker has been put in place to reawaken society to ‘responsible communication’ at multiple levels. Sadly they’ve left out ‘outdoor’ ! ( I’m sure it will get added ).  Well done Honble SC. “

    The ISA was awaiting the MIB’s response at the time of writing of this report.

  • PIB’s fact check unit to track fake news for central govt (updated)

    PIB’s fact check unit to track fake news for central govt (updated)

    MUMBAI:  Fake news perpetrators against the government in Delhi – whether on television, online or in print – had better watch out. The ministry of electronics and information technology (MeitY) along with the ministry of information and broadcasting has notified that the fact check unit (FCU) under the Press Information Bureau (PIB) shall be the central government’s watch dog. This has been done so under rule 3(1)(b)(v) of the of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 (IT Rules 2021). 

    Since November 2019, the FCU established under PIB has been effectively working with the purpose of tackling fake news pertaining to government policies, schemes, rules and regulations, programmes, initiatives, etc. Through an established rigorous fact-checking procedure, the PIB FCU’s goal is to help in dispelling myths, rumours and false claims, and provides accurate and reliable information to the public.

    Meanwhile in an update, the chief justice of India today stayed the notification of the FCU, stating that a challenge to the impugned rule involves serious constitutional questions. “The impact of rule on freedom of speech and expression will fall for analysis by the high court.” 

    (updated at 3:43 pm on 21 March 2024.)

  • MIB invites comments on the guidelines of accessibility standards for disability audiences.

    MIB invites comments on the guidelines of accessibility standards for disability audiences.

    Mumbai: MIB (Ministry of Information and Broadcasting) issued a notification concerning section 29, section 42 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016. MIB asked for comments or feedback from general people on the announcement of a new mandate for content access to persons with disabilities.

    Mandate asked the government to take appropriate measures and initiatives for  accessibility for content, films, and universal access for promoting interest and preserving human rights. The government issued guidelines for accessibility standards in the public exhibition of feature films in cinemas for people with hearing and visual impairment.

    These guidelines are mandatory for cinema entities and theatres to follow from 10 January 2024. The film which is certified by CBFC ( Central Board of Film Certification) is mandatory to take this measure to promote global accessibility for the content.

    The focus of these guidelines is also on information and assistive devices needed by persons with disabilities to enjoy the content. The effective date is applicable from the date of the notification.

    The accessibility feature mandate depends on principles of health, education, human rights, fundamental freedom, availability, advocacy, and affordability. According to the mandate, films must arrange special shows for people with disabilities as prescribed in the notification. This film or content should enclose a subtitle, audio description, captioning, and technical specialties for the betterment of disabled persons.

    It is also mandatory for film producers to deliver two sets of films for certification to CBFC, one is for public view and the second is for accessibility features for disabilities. Film exhibitors are also entitled to provision accessibility features to disabilities. As per the mandate, providing a minimum of two pieces of equipment per 200 seats.

    As per the 2011 Census, Out of the total population, 2.21 per cent of the population is disabled out of which 19 per cent persons have vision disability and 19 per cent people with hearing disability in hearing. These new regulations will be inclusive of accessibility for social, and cultural well-being.

  • Prime Video continues its masterclass series at the SRFTI, Kolkata

    Prime Video continues its masterclass series at the SRFTI, Kolkata

    Mumbai: Prime Video successfully conducted a highly insightful masterclass on Creating Period Dramas for New Age Audiences at the Satyajit Ray Film & Television Institute (SRFTI), Kolkata. This is Prime Video’s second masterclass, following the maiden edition at FTII, Pune, and is a testament to Prime Video’s commitment to strengthening India’s creative economy as outlined in the Letter of Engagement (LoE) inked earlier this year between Amazon India and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB). Graced by Shri Vikram Sahay, Joint Secretary, MIB, this masterclass featured award-winning filmmaker Vikramaditya Motwane and the highly versatile actor Sidhant Gupta, both representing the much-loved Amazon Originals series Jubilee, as well as Nikhil Madhok, Head of Hindi Originals, Prime Video, India.

    Building on the global success of Amazon Original Series Jubilee, this masterclass explored the art of creating outstanding period dramas such as this acclaimed series. Panelists provided insights into the creative process behind conceptualizing historical narratives that resonate with contemporary audiences. The session underscored streaming’s transformative role in storytelling and filmmaking, offering diverse opportunities for creative and technical talent to experiment with various formats, themes, and genres.

    MIB Joint Secretary Shri Vikram Sahay said, “Incorporating the essence of our rich past and the legacy of our culture into contemporary storytelling not only enriches India’s soft power internationally but also provides a platform for the talent of tomorrow to take it even further. Shows like Jubilee speak volumes about our talent – not just the stars you see on- -screen, but even those behind the camera, the directors, scriptwriters, musicians, and singers. By embracing our heritage and presenting it in a modern context, we’re crafting narratives that resonate with global audiences while nurturing the creative minds that will shape the future of our entertainment industry. This has been the collective vision and endeavour of Amazon India and MIB joining hands to enable creative ecosystems in India.”  

    The collaboration between Amazon and MIB seeks to establish channels for nurturing creative talent in India, enhance the capabilities of prestigious film and television institutions, and exhibit ‘Made in India’ creative content on a global scale.

    “It’s vital for Prime Video to host these masterclasses and invest in India’s creative talent because we believe in the power of stories to inspire, educate, and entertain,” said Prime Video head of Hindi Originals Nikhil Madhok. “By providing a platform for emerging talent and seasoned industry professionals to come together, we are not just enriching the creative landscape but also fostering an environment where innovation and originality can thrive. Our commitment to such initiatives aligns with our mission to create exceptional content that resonates with diverse audiences globally, and these masterclasses are a testament to that vision.”

    Amazon Original series Jubilee creator and director Vikramaditya Motwane shared his perspective on writing multi-genre stories, “In the case of Jubilee, it was a conscious decision to merge the period drama with a murder mystery. Murder mystery as a genre has always been popular, it is one of my favourites. And I believe that if the story and characters resonate with the audience, the audience gets invested in what happens next – then episodic cliffhangers will get them to click on the next episode and encourage them to keep watching.”

    Sidhant Gupta, who garnered immense popularity after his role in Jubilee as Jay Khanna, talked about the need for research to build a character in a period drama, “Research is everything in a period drama. I led with curiosity and responsibility which made me feel safe and kept the fun alive. Start slowly, start with small questions and the big questions will find us. It’s living the dream and the process demands some heavy lifting. Playing a character is an endless finding, I can only ever feel prepared enough to be able to surrender. I believe it is okay to ask as many questions as you want while researching – by the time we reach the set, we don’t feel dependent – which is an unnecessary burden on the director.”

    Prime Video will be hosting additional masterclasses as part of its Letter of Engagement with MIB, at leading film institutions across the nation in the coming months.

  • Axis Finance moves to NCLAT – more noise, no impact

    Axis Finance moves to NCLAT – more noise, no impact

    Mumbai: Axis Finance has approached the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT), Delhi against the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) order approving the merger of Zee and Sony. The NCLAT has served notice to Zee in response to Axis Finance’s plea.

    We believe the above issue of Axis Finance approaching the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) will not have any impact on the merger between Zee and Sony because the claims being pursued by Axis Finance, which amount to Rs 1,000 mn, are not directed at Zee but rather at its parent company, Essel Group. As mentioned in the NCLT merger order (Zee/Sony), Axis Finance has previously approached various legal bodies, including the Debt Recovery Tribunal (DRT) and high courts, for above claims; however, judgements on the same have not been in their favour (Axis Finance). Therefore, we believe these claims lack merit and will not impact the merger. Also, appeals with NCLAT may continue for months even after the merged company is formed, just like in the case of PVR-Inox merger (Consumer Unity & Trust Society appealed in NCLAT against the merger and the case got dismissed in August 2023 – six months after the merged company of PVRINOX was formed).

    As for the current status of the merger, the merged company is progressing with the Registrar of Companies (ROC) filing process, post receipt of the NCLT merger order. They are also engaged in discussions regarding Closing Precedents (CP) (the merged company may want to include July/August financials as well), which may result in a delay of two to three weeks in the merger timeline. We believe the record date is usually given one week prior to delisting. Considering the marginal delay in CP, the record date for the merger could be towards the last week of October 2023. Subsequently, relisting is expected to take place in the first or second week of December 2023 vs our earlier expectation of the second week of November 2023. Additionally, the company will need to submit details of the merged co. Board of Directors to the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (MIB), before the record date is finalised.

    Further, the SEBI/SAT issue (with promoters) too may not impact the merger timelines as the NCLT merger approval is without any condition.

    We have a BUY recommendation on Zee with a 24 Sept TP of Rs 340 – we maintain our positive stance on the company; PFA our latest company update post the NCLT merger approval.

    The credit of this article goes to Elara Capital SVP Karan Taurani.

     

  • TRAI releases recommendations on FM radio broadcasting

    TRAI releases recommendations on FM radio broadcasting

    Mumbai: The Telecom Regulatory Authority India (TRAI) has released recommendations on FM radio broadcasting in order to discuss various issues related to FM Radio broadcasting.

    In order to discuss various issues related to FM Radio broadcasting, TRAI held a meeting with representatives of AROI on 5 August 2022. Representatives of AROI, inter-alia, raised the following issues for consideration of the authority:

    (i) Permitting private FM Radio channels to broadcast independent news bulletins

    (ii) Availability of FM Radio receivers in mobile handsets

    After considering all comments or counter-comments received from stakeholders during the consultation process and further analysis of the issues, the Authority has finalised its recommendations. The salient features of the recommendations are given below:

    (1) The annual licence fee of a FM radio channel should be de-linked from NOTEF.

    (ii) The license fee should be calculated as four percent of the Gross Revenue (GR) of the FM radio channel during the respective financial year. GST should be excluded from Gross Revenue (GR).

    (iii) The Government may take appropriate measures to provide relief to the FM radio operators to address challenges posed due to Covid-19 pandemic.

    (iv) Private FM Radio operators should be allowed to broadcast news and current affairs programs, limited to 10 minutes in each clock hour.

    (v) The program code of conduct as applicable to All India Radio for news content may also be applied to Private FM Radio channels.

    (vi) Functions or features pertaining to FM radio should remain enabled and activated on all mobile handsets having the necessary hardware. Built-in FM radio receivers in mobile handset must not be subjected to any form of disablement or deactivation.

    (vii) A Standing Committee, headed by a senior officer of Joint Secretary or above level, to oversee and monitor the compliance by mobile phone manufacturers (or importers) may be established by MeitY. The committee should include key stakeholders such as MIB, AROI, MAlT, and ICEA.

    (viii) An online grievance redressal portal should be provided for submitting information or complaints in case of any noncompliance as regards enablement of FM radio functionality in such mobile handsets that have the necessary functionality for FM receivers.

     

  • TV Viewership: Unaccredited agencies issuing motivated measurement reports under government radar

    TV Viewership: Unaccredited agencies issuing motivated measurement reports under government radar

    Mumbai: The government may take strict action against the unlicensed agencies issuing viewership data for TV and internet-connected platforms.

    As per the government guidelines, these platforms are in violation of the policy for TRP in India which also covers the measurement of online video platforms. Recently, an agency issued a viewership report for TV news channels. As per industry experts, most of these reports are motivated and at times are even paid by channels being shown as number one.

    The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting requires all Television Rating Agencies to register themselves and follow the policy guidelines laid down by the Ministry in respect of television ratings.

    The guidelines provide for strict conditions and obligations to be compulsorily met, including ensuring that ratings are tech-neutral and capture data across multiple viewing platforms including Cable TV, DTH, Terrestrial TV and online platforms.

     

  • Apurva Chandra talks about credibility of social media, RPD and direct-to-broadcast: CII The Big Picture Summit 2022

    Apurva Chandra talks about credibility of social media, RPD and direct-to-broadcast: CII The Big Picture Summit 2022

    Mumbai: At the Big Picture Summit organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) on 16 & 17 November, among the many dignitaries that were in attendance and spoke on various topics, the ministry of information & broadcasting (MIB) secretary Apurva Chandra was also present.

    On his recent visit to the Global Media Congress in Abu Dhabi, he made some observations and spoke about the same. He raised his concern (as well as the concern of many) with regard to the fact that the use of social media is on the rise and traditional media is on the decline.

    “The use of social media is increasing – that is how the consumption of media now takes place. And within that too, there is the short video format, which has become more popular. In fact, I was surprised to learn that youngsters now turn to TikTok for search and not Google anymore – TikTok has now become a more popular search engine as compared to Google because nowadays short videos are available for anything and everything,” he stated.

    Chandra elucidated that now there is an issue of credibility. “For people of our age, the credibility of the media is paramount. Achieving credibility in social media will be the challenge. The media authorities will also have to consider that viewers’ tastes are changing towards shorter and shorter versions.”

    He went on to reveal that the next big thing that MIB is working on is direct-to-mobile broadcast. A pilot study by IIT Kanpur and Sankhya Labs on direct-to-mobile broadcasting that had been undertaken in Bengaluru has been successful; a similar pilot study will be launched soon in Noida or someplace near Delhi.

    He added, “There are 20 crore households, 60 crore smartphone users, and 80 crore broadband users. Once we start direct-to-mobile broadcasting, the reach of the TV media would be much higher.”

    Additionally, Chandra mentioned that they are also working on the issue of TRP ratings.

    “The reverse path data (RPD) pilot has also been successful; the report has been submitted. We will now take it forward on integrating more and more RPD. The major concern was that the number of households involved in Barc ratings is very low and it should be increased. Once RPD is implemented, the TRP will become much larger,” he assured.

  • I&B ministry stops broadcast and distribution of Mangalam and Whistle TV

    I&B ministry stops broadcast and distribution of Mangalam and Whistle TV

    Mumbai: The ministry of information and broadcasting vide its order dated 26 October whereby the broadcast of the channels Mangalam and Whistle TV permitted M/s. G.N. Infomedia is prohibited for a period of 30 days w.e.f under the extant policy guidelines for downlinking of private satellite TV channels in India, 2011.

    According to Rule 6(6) of the Cable Television Network Rules 1994, no cable operator shall carry or include in his cable service any television broadcast or channel that has not been registered by the central government for viewing within the territory of India.

    In a letter dated, 27 October 2010, MIB granted permission to M/S. GN Infomedia to uplink and downlink a news & current affairs TV channel, namely ‘Mangalam’ and a non-news and current affairs TV channel, namely ‘Whistle TV’ for a period of 10 years. The permission granted to G. N. Infomedia has already expired on 26 October 2020.

    “In light of the foregoing, all MSOs/LCOs are directed not to carry the above-mentioned channel on their network during its prohibition period,” MIB stated. “Failure to do so will result in appropriate/suitable action being initiated against the defaulter(s) in accordance with the relevant clause(s) of the Cable Television Network (Regulation) Act, 1995 and rules framed thereunder.”

    The company, in response to the SCN’s vide letter dated 19 January 2022 sought an extension of time.

    Accordingly, the company was informed to apply for a 10-year renewal by 28 February 2022. However, the company did not apply within the prescribed time frame. Therefore, another SCN dated 14 March 2022 was issued to the company.

    The company, in response to the letter dated 28 March 2022 again sought an extension of time. Accordingly, the company was informed to apply for a 10-year renewal by 31 July 2022 but the company, in response to SCN, has again sought an extension of time.

    The company that got the permission renewed was required to apply for the same six months prior to the date of expiry of the permission period. However, the company has still not applied for a 10-year renewal for its two channels despite a considerable lapse of time.

    The company has therefore violated clauses 5.4 & 5.8 of the uplinking guidelines, 2011.

    Clause 5.4 of uplinking guidelines 2011, provides that “The Company shall furnish such information as may be required by the ministry of information & broadcasting, from time to time.”

    “The company shall ensure its continued eligibility as applicable throughout the period of permission and adhere to all the terms and conditions of the permission, failing which the company will be liable for a penalty as specified,” according to clause 5.8 of uplinking guidelines 2011.

    The TV channel Whistle TV is non-operational. Therefore, there is no provision in the uplinking guidelines that permits the channel to remain non-operational. Therefore, the company has violated clause 5.8 of the uplinking guidelines, 2011.

    Further action will be taken for a period of 30 days with the direction to the company to pay outstanding dues and fulfil regulatory compliance, failing which further action will be taken.

    However, if the company applies for a 10-year renewal for the two channels and takes necessary steps to remove the other violations of the policy guidelines for uplinking of TV channels in 2011, during the period of prohibition, the permission to the channel may be considered for restoration.