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Tag: PM

  • Editors Guild appeals to PM to revoke new digital media rules

    Editors Guild appeals to PM to revoke new digital media rules

    NEW DELHI: The Editors Guild of India has sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s urgent intervention in revoking the new rules for digital media, saying that the guidelines would be "adverse to the freedom of press" in the country.

    In a letter dated 6 March addressed to the PM and union ministers Prakash Javadekar and Ravi Shankar Prasad, the association has urged the government to hold off on the implementation of the new rules till the Centre “consults all stakeholders” in the matter.

    "We are conscious of the challenges posed by the digital age, and as such, we recognise the need for self-regulation of digital news media. However, we have grave concerns regarding the rules, which can fundamentally alter how news publishers operate over the Internet and undermine the freedom of the press in the country," the EGI wrote in the letter.

    On 25 February, the Centre introduced the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021 that seek to regulate social media, OTT platforms, and digital news content for the first time. According to the new rules, digital news media and online video streaming services must adhere to the code of ethics under the rules which will be enforced by a three-tier regulatory mechanism.

    However, the EGI has taken exception to the three-tier structure, stating that it allots "excessive powers" to government officials to block, modify and delete content.

    “Various other provisions in these rules can place unreasonable restrictions on digital news media, and consequently media at large. These rules have been brought in without due consultation with the stakeholders and deepen the worry that freedom of press in India is being seriously compromised,” it added.

    The guild also raised concerns that the absolute decision-making power conferred upon the executive through these new rules will inhibit digital news media and thereby press at large from fulfilling its obligations as the fourth estate.

    Moreover, it cited the clause that anyone can file a grievance and the publisher will have to respond within 15 days of receiving it; compelling publishers to respond to each and every complainant within a period as short as 15 days is "onerous".

    "This again will be adverse to press freedom. The rules should have been accompanied by a form containing the details which the complainant should be obligated to furnish, to lodge a complaint. As of now, the publishers may have to spend resources to respond to incomplete, ill-intentioned and even anonymous complaints," it said.

    The association went on to claim that the new guidelines were announced and notified on the same day and the Union government did not consult any stakeholders, including EGI, in the drafting of the rules.

    "The Guild urges the ministry to withdraw such an onerous and regressive regulatory mechanism, and to initiate consultations for putting in place a more equitable self-regulatory system," the letter read.

  • PM addresses 95th annual plenary session of ICC

    PM addresses 95th annual plenary session of ICC

    MUMBAI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today  addressed the 95th Annual Plenary session of the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) through video conferencing. In his speech, he said that the contribution of ICC towards the development of industries and manufacturing in the East and North-East and in national building for the last 95 years, is historical and commendable.

    The ICC AGM  is happening at a time when India is challenging a challenge – coronavirus. In fact, India is facing several challenges, the locust swarm, cyclone, the oil well fire in Assam. But handling crisis successfully is nothing new to ICC, the east and north east and in fact to whole of India. He reminded that  it is one's mental strength and resolve that is key in such times. According to Narendra Modi all dreams of the hard workers can only be realised through the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat  (self-reliant India).

    The time has come for every street, every village, every district, every state, and the nation as a whole to take a pledge to ensure that we as a nation must become self-reliant at all levels. We need to support each other and especially those who are small-time craftsmen and workers, in a virtual cycle of prosperity. we can grow by supporting each other. Prime minister asked industry and all citizens to be ‘Vocal for local’. 

    The government of India is doing all it can , including giving big support to micro, small and medium industries (MSMEs).  GeM is one such initiative. India is moving from a structure of ‘Command and Control’ to ‘Plug and Play’. The government is also focusing on helping farmers across the nation, by making it free for them to decide who they want to sell their produce to, and at the best price they get. 

    Narendra Modi also elaborated ICC’s core theme of ‘People, Planet and Profit’ and explained how it is beneficial for the nation. He gave examples of LED, jute industry in West Bengal and organic products of North East. ICC wholehearted welcome and support prime minister Modi, for the bold reforms and the motivating talk and guidance and pledges to work on his guided path. 

    Prime minister also asked ICC to develop a road map and targets towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat for 2022 when India will celebrate 75th year of Independence and also for 2025 when ICC will enter its 100th year.

  • PM’s exclusive interview #bharatparmodi with Republic Bharat sets the agenda for the 2019 General Election and delivers smashing results on its social and digital assets

    PM’s exclusive interview #bharatparmodi with Republic Bharat sets the agenda for the 2019 General Election and delivers smashing results on its social and digital assets

    MUMBAI: At 8 am on Friday, Republic Bharat aired Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first Lok Sabha election interview, which was given to Republic Media Network’s Editor-in-Chief Arnab Goswami. Causing ripples not only across the political spectrum but also making global headlines, the #ModiSpeaksToBharat interview set new records on traction, engagement and impressions on the digital space. 

    Benchmarking news highs on digital media, the #ModiSpeaksToBharat interview recorded a whopping 2.6 Billion impressions on social media during its playout. Trending just 7 minutes into the first playout on Republic Bharat, the Prime Minister’s interview trended for more than 6 hours non-stop across the country. With 333 tweets per minute for the first 48 hours, the interview generated immediate virality on the digital space. 

    The scale of engagement was unprecedented, with the interview recording a staggering 44.6M watch minutes across live and VOD assets. 

    In terms of content, the interview had 35 major national headlines which became the focus of the political opposition within minutes of the first play out. With 29 political reactions across 10 political parties, the #ModiSpeaksToBharat interview quickly became the center-point of political discourse nationally. 

    With the Prime Minister responding on various issues from national security to domestic economy, the #ModiSpeaksToBharat interview triggered strong engagement on digital media across 23 states and 1042 major cities across the country. The cities which recorded the deepest engagement were Lucknow, Kanpur, Ahmedabad, Patna, New Delhi, Mumbai,Jaipur, Pune,, Hyderabad, Surat, Varanasi, Indore,  Gurgaon, Bangalore and Kolkata. 

    In fact, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tough message to Pakistan during the course of this interview led to a direct response from Imran Khan’s Pakistan Government within 24 hours of the playout on Republic Bharat. 

    Prime Minister Modi’s responses to a wide array of questions ahead of the crucial vote spurred reactions beyond India’s borders. The #ModiSpeaksToBharat interview led to digital conversations in 21 countries across the globe, including audiences in the United States, United Kingdom, UAE, Singapore, Australia, Oman, Nepal, Canada and Pakistan. 

    With 7 playouts of the Prime Minister’s interview on day 1 clubbed with an aggressive digital strategy, Republic Bharat  became the one-stop destination for audiences in this crucial 2019 election season. 
     

  • Yesudas’s triggerbridge to launch ‘Un-News Hour’

    Yesudas’s triggerbridge to launch ‘Un-News Hour’

    MUMBAI: More often than not, negative and disturbing news dominates prime time television and suppresses the good that happens all around and hence paints a rather cynical picture of society. With an aim to bring these positive stories to the fore, triggerbridge -the unagency by S Yesudas, in partnership with Ajit Nair and Amit Tripathi, has planned the ‘Un News Hour.’

    “It is a one-hour prime time news capsule across English, Hindi and all other vernacular languages, which will air only happy news of human achievements, however small or big the achievement might be,” explained media veteran and entrepreneur, Yesudas.

    “With every other noise that’s being made everywhere else, this in my opinion, will be an equalizer of sorts, and will be a huge opportunity for those unsung heroes to be recognized, day after day and a big ground of motivation for many more to embark on such initiatives,” he added.

    When quizzed about the choice of the title for the initiative, which has indirect reference to Arnab Goswami’s flagship ‘News Hour’ Yesudas shared, “While there was no inspiration from Arnab, I can’t deny the potential of Arnab himself owning up both the News Hour, which is about debate on hot topics in the country and the Un-News Hour, which is just simply happy news to triggerhappy conversations. I have interacted with Arnab and he is a very different human being personally, gentle, soft spoken, intuitive and brilliant. Un-News Hour will give him an opportunity to portray his actual personality where he doesn’t have to lose his cool or get upset with people who are covering up etc”

    While the idea is definitely noble, due to lack of proper planning and participation such social initiatives seldom see the light of the day. To this Yesudas commented, “I don’t think any genuine initiative ever fails. If there are hidden agendas, yes it will, much like how Free Basics failed and odd/even (Delhi) succeeded. Both happened around the same time, the former began with so-called support and the later with all the negativity possible. But it is the purity in purpose that made odd/even a success. The attempt here is to motivate people by raising their awareness to the wonderful things that are happening around them. As a dear friend of mine said it is strategy without a map. And yet each element is beautifully tied into each other through human knots of kindness.”

    Putting the scale of the initiative in perspective, one can’t help but wonder how triggerbridge planned to cover the costs. “I’m looking for support from clients to cover the actual expenses, not for advertising, but for them to be known for doing something much more meaningful for the people of India. I am happy to say there have been people calling in offering their support in various ways. I got a call from an institute that trains in cinematography, with many trained camera units. They offered to become part of our cause. I have had a doctor calling up offering support. Many friends are waiting in line to offer all kinds of support. I’ve also tweeted the PM, celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan, requesting each to give the initiative wings,” explained Yesudas.

    The entire concept is heavily dependent on partnerships with channels and networks that believe in the cause. “I’m talking to all possible channels. I know this is disruptive and this is not for someone who is only focused on transactions. We are sure to align with a few like-minded people. Conversations are ongoing as we speak. Within two to three weeks we will be able to share names of concrete partners and the status report,” Yesudas concluded.

  • Yesudas’s triggerbridge to launch ‘Un-News Hour’

    Yesudas’s triggerbridge to launch ‘Un-News Hour’

    MUMBAI: More often than not, negative and disturbing news dominates prime time television and suppresses the good that happens all around and hence paints a rather cynical picture of society. With an aim to bring these positive stories to the fore, triggerbridge -the unagency by S Yesudas, in partnership with Ajit Nair and Amit Tripathi, has planned the ‘Un News Hour.’

    “It is a one-hour prime time news capsule across English, Hindi and all other vernacular languages, which will air only happy news of human achievements, however small or big the achievement might be,” explained media veteran and entrepreneur, Yesudas.

    “With every other noise that’s being made everywhere else, this in my opinion, will be an equalizer of sorts, and will be a huge opportunity for those unsung heroes to be recognized, day after day and a big ground of motivation for many more to embark on such initiatives,” he added.

    When quizzed about the choice of the title for the initiative, which has indirect reference to Arnab Goswami’s flagship ‘News Hour’ Yesudas shared, “While there was no inspiration from Arnab, I can’t deny the potential of Arnab himself owning up both the News Hour, which is about debate on hot topics in the country and the Un-News Hour, which is just simply happy news to triggerhappy conversations. I have interacted with Arnab and he is a very different human being personally, gentle, soft spoken, intuitive and brilliant. Un-News Hour will give him an opportunity to portray his actual personality where he doesn’t have to lose his cool or get upset with people who are covering up etc”

    While the idea is definitely noble, due to lack of proper planning and participation such social initiatives seldom see the light of the day. To this Yesudas commented, “I don’t think any genuine initiative ever fails. If there are hidden agendas, yes it will, much like how Free Basics failed and odd/even (Delhi) succeeded. Both happened around the same time, the former began with so-called support and the later with all the negativity possible. But it is the purity in purpose that made odd/even a success. The attempt here is to motivate people by raising their awareness to the wonderful things that are happening around them. As a dear friend of mine said it is strategy without a map. And yet each element is beautifully tied into each other through human knots of kindness.”

    Putting the scale of the initiative in perspective, one can’t help but wonder how triggerbridge planned to cover the costs. “I’m looking for support from clients to cover the actual expenses, not for advertising, but for them to be known for doing something much more meaningful for the people of India. I am happy to say there have been people calling in offering their support in various ways. I got a call from an institute that trains in cinematography, with many trained camera units. They offered to become part of our cause. I have had a doctor calling up offering support. Many friends are waiting in line to offer all kinds of support. I’ve also tweeted the PM, celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan, requesting each to give the initiative wings,” explained Yesudas.

    The entire concept is heavily dependent on partnerships with channels and networks that believe in the cause. “I’m talking to all possible channels. I know this is disruptive and this is not for someone who is only focused on transactions. We are sure to align with a few like-minded people. Conversations are ongoing as we speak. Within two to three weeks we will be able to share names of concrete partners and the status report,” Yesudas concluded.

  • PM Modi lauds Zee News for reportage of programme on solar energy to spread awarness in monthly Mann ki Baat

    PM Modi lauds Zee News for reportage of programme on solar energy to spread awarness in monthly Mann ki Baat

    NEW DELHI:  While policy announcements were avoided in view of the ongoing Parliament session, Zee  News came in for praise in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s monthly Mann ki Baat for its coverage of advantages of solar energy.

     

    Modi’s reference was to a link he received of a news report from Kanpur where a woman is using solar energy to spread awareness and also educate the people/

     

    The broadcast, which comes on the last Sunday of every month at 11 .00 am, was streamed live on the internet apart from being broadcast by both All India Radio and Doordarshan.

     

    The regional language translations of the broadcast were beamed last night at 8.00 pmby different kendras of AIR.

     

    The Prime Minister had invited people to share their messages for this edition of Mann Ki baat on mygov.in and used some of these views and played recordings by individuals received on1800 3000 7800. 

     

    Unlike some previous broadcasts, there was no theme for his talk tomorrow. Modi’s earlier themes have included rural sanitation, swachhta or other programmes of the government. 

     

    Even as no survey has so far been conducted on the listenership or viewership of Mann ki Baat, private television channels have been reproducing some portions considered newsy by them.

     

    Modi also received several suggestions on  his Twitter handle and on pmindia.gov.in.

  • PM hails spectrum & FM Radio auction as proactive information to people

    PM hails spectrum & FM Radio auction as proactive information to people

    NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today referred to auctions of spectrum and FM radio licenses to say that information should be given out proactively to the people.

     

    He described the “Right to Information” (RTI) Act as a tool through, which the common man has got not just the right to know, but also the right to question those in power. 

     

    In his remarks at the 10th Annual Convention of the Central Information Commission (CIC), Modi said that the Union Government’s Digital India initiative is complimentary to RTI, because putting information online brings transparency, which in turn, builds trust. 

     

    The Prime Minister called for an end to the silo-approach in the Government. He said administrative processes should be run based on trusting the people, rather than doubting them. 

     

    Modi also said that RTI has become a tool for good governance. He also described how the PRAGATI platform developed in the PMO has become a vibrant platform for monitoring progress of projects.  

  • Rupert & James Murdoch to host PM Narendra Modi in New York

    Rupert & James Murdoch to host PM Narendra Modi in New York

    MUMBAI: Media baron 21st Century Fox chairman Rupert Murdoch along with his son and CEO of the company James Murdoch, will host Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New York.

     

    The Murdochs – Modi rendezvous will also be attended by senior executives from Fox including News Corp CEO Robert Thomson, Star India CEO Uday Shankar and a selective group of peers from media and entertainment companies.

     

    Known for his powerful international image and charismatic personality, Modi is expected to lay solid ground for further propagation of brand India through this high profile gathering of world media heads.

     

    It may be recalled that earlier in March, the media world was taken in a frenzy when 21st Century Fox CEO (then COO) James Murdoch along with Shankar met Modi in Delhi.

     

    The Murdochs hosting Modi doesn’t come as a surprise given the important role Star India is playing in Fox’s revenues and reach internationally. As was reported earlier by Indiantelevision.com, global brokerage company Morgan Stanley valued Star India at $11.2 billion earlier this year. Following the report, Fox chief financial officer John Nallen was also heard pitching high hopes on Star India for the global network’s growth. “The top opportunity continues to be international, led by Star. Star clearly is going to lead a lot of our international growth,” he had said.

     

    Nallen had further added that the parent company expects Star India’s growth to contribute $500 million by 2018.

     

    This indicates how the Murdochs have advocated higher foreign direct investment (FDI) ceilings in India’s media industry and are keen to expand their presence in the country. A case in point is Star India’s acquisition of Maa TV’s broadcast assets earlier this year.

     

    During his US trip, Modi will also visit Silicon Valley giant Facebook followed by a meeting with Google’s Indian born CEO Sundar Pichai, and Apple CEO Tim Cook.

     

    “I’m excited to announce that Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India will be visiting Facebook HQ later this month for a Townhall Q&A,” said Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who had earlier sent an open invitation to the Indian Prime Minister to visit Facebook’s headquarters. “Prime Minister Modi and I will discuss how communities can work together to address social and economic challenges…. The event will be on Sunday, September 27 at 9:30 a.m. pacific time,” he later added to the post.

       

    Modi too took to Facebook to share his excitement of visiting the tech giant’s HQ, and to chalk out the agenda for the meeting. “I thank Mr. Mark Zuckerberg for the invite to visit the Facebook HQ. The interaction will cover a wide range of issues and will surely be a memorable one.”

     

    On Sunday, Modi added, “I will also see some recent technological innovations at the Google (Alphabet) campus and Tesla Motors.”

     

    His final post – “It would be after a gap of almost 33 years that an Indian PM would be visiting the west coast — the home of start-ups, innovation and technology,” – rightly reflects the overall expectations India media has from his visit to the US.

  • Arun Jaitley to meet PM to discuss Sun TV issues

    Arun Jaitley to meet PM to discuss Sun TV issues

    MUMBAI: India’s Finance and Information & Broadcasting Minister Arun Jaitley is expected to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 2 July, 2015 to discuss the security clearance issue for Kalanithi Maran owned Sun TV’s 33 television channels and FM radio stations.

     

    The issue has assumed urgency given that the entire auction process of FM phase III has been held up with the I&B Ministry not convening a meeting of the application review committee. All the other 28 companies, barring those affiliated to Maran’s Sun TV Network, that had applied for the auction and migration from phase II to phase III, have been granted security clearance. 

     

    According to an Indian Express report, what has also stumped the I&B Ministry is the Union Home Ministry’s stance with respect to the print publications of the Sun TV Group.

     

    In response to the I&B Ministry’s query regarding the fate of the newspapers and magazines from the Sun stable such as Dinakaran, Kumudham and Murasoli, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said print publications “do not fall under the ambit of national security clearance.”

     

    At a recent meeting in the Prime Minister’s Office, the Law Secretary is said to have pointed out that such a move would go against the spirit of Article 19 (1) of the Constitution on freedom of speech. This was subsequently reiterated in an opinion obtained from the Attorney General’s office. But the PMO had opined in the meeting then that once security clearance has been denied, there was no need perhaps to seek even the AG’s opinion.

     

    In his letter to Singh dated 1 April following the denial of security clearance on 30 March to Sun TV’s FM radio channels, Jaitley had said this was likely to be challenged in the court. “Such a situation will result in unnecessary embarrassment besides eliminating a large group from the FM channels. In view of the above mentioned position, it is felt necessary to request your indulgence for reconsidering the decision,” the letter stated.

  • President, PM condole passing away of legendary actress Suchitra Sen

    President, PM condole passing away of legendary actress Suchitra Sen

    NEW DELHI: President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh have condoled the passing away of legendary actress Suchitra Sen.

     

    In a condolence message to her daughter, Moon Moon Sen, the President has said, “In the passing away of Smt. Suchitra Sen, the film industry has lost a highly talented and acclaimed actress who played memorable roles in a number of Bengali as well as Hindi films. She shall always be remembered by her countless fans for her versatile acting which brought life into the celluloid characters she played in films.”

     

    Sen was a legendary actress who ruled Bengali cinema for decades. Her powerful roles in films were highly acclaimed and will be remembered by generations of film lovers. During her illustrious career she was not only a recipient of Padma Shri Award, but also became the first Bengali actress who was awarded ‘Best Actress Award’ at an international film festival. Her sad demise is a huge loss to the Indian film industry, particularly Bengali cinema”.

     

    In his message, the Prime Minister said, “Ms. Sen had carved a special niche in the hearts of millions of Indians through her graceful cinematic presence. She was one of the first Indian artistes to win an international award at Moscow in 1963. Ms Sen’s versatility and range of performances, in a career spanning nearly three decades, mark a unique contribution to Indian cinema, and to Bengali films in particular.”