MxMIndia

Tag: Ministry of Information & Broadcasting

  • National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) was set up in March, 2007 under the Commission for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005

    Protect identity of children, MIB tells broadcasters

    By A Correspondent

     

    The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has issued a directive to all TV channels regarding protection of identity of children in need of care and protection and juveniles in conflict with law.

     

    National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) was set up in March, 2007 under the Commission for Protection of Child Rights Act, 2005, with the mandate to ensure that all laws, policies, programmes, and administrative mechanisms are in consonance with the Child Rights perspective as enshrined in the Constitution of India and also the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Any person contravening these provisions is “liable to penalties, as prescribed under the provisions of Section 21 (2) of the said Act”.

     

    The Commission has recommended that necessary directives/set of protocols be issued to the entire print and electronic media to refrain from publishing the names, pictures, home address, school address and other parameters of their identity of such children who need to be reported upon by media on account of certain circumstances. As such disclosures only tend to affect the social and mental health of children in their crucial stage of development.

     

    All news & current affairs TV channels are required to abide by the provisions of the Cable Television Networks Rules 1994 and Rule 6(1)(l) which state that no programme should be carried in the cable service which denigrates children. The channels are already required to carry the programmes involving children with due care, maturity and sensitivity.

     

    Any violation may entail stringent action as per the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995, and the terms and conditions of uplinking and downlinking guidelines.

     

  • Prasar Bharati, which believes that the TAM data under-represents terrestrial and rural reach of Doordarshan, is holding consultation with the ministry and contemplating appropriate action against TAM

    AAAI, ISA to meet TAM on Aug 16 as MIB, Prasar Bharti mull probe

    By A Correspondent

     

    The ministry of information & broadcasting and Prasar Bharati will jointly investigate allegations of fudging of television viewership by TAM Media Research. The two have also sought an explanation from TAM on this issue.

     

    Prasar Bharati, which believes that the TAM data completely under-represents terrestrial and rural reach of Doordarshan – the state broadcaster, is holding consultation with the ministry and contemplating appropriate action against TAM, a senior government official, who asked not to be named, said.

     

    “It is high time transparency and fairness came into the system,” the Information & Broadcasting ministry official said. The ministry has written to TAM asking for an explanation. “Within this week, we are also sending out reference letters to TRAI, the telecom regulator, and Competition Commission of India,” the official added.

     

    The Prasar Bharati board has already given in-principle approval to collate facts, seek legal opinion and hold consultations with the ministry on the issue of misrepresentation and under-reporting of data for Doordarshan by TAM.

     

    “Prasar Bharati also feels that TAM data completely under-represents terrestrial and rural reach of Doordarshan. We always felt that this has caused immense losses to the state broadcaster,” said the person.

     

    TAM Media Research India’s chief executive officer, LV Krishnan, said he has no comments to offer on the issue.

     

    New Delhi Television Ltd (NDTV) has sued The Nielsen Company, a global research and information firm, and its partner Kantar Media Research in a New York court for tampering with TV viewership data to favour broadcasters who allegedly bribed executives in its Indian JV, TAM.

     

    NDTV has filed a suit in the New York State Supreme Court seeking damages of around $1.4 billion for negligence and fraud and hundreds of millions more for interference and breach of fiduciary duty. Advertisers and media agencies depend on TAM data-the only available measurement for TV viewership – to negotiate ad rates.

     

    Meanwhile, concerned by NDTV’s allegations on TAM, the Advertising Agencies Association of India (AAAI) has called for a meeting with TAM officials later this week. “We are meeting the TAM officials to get the facts rights and understand the issue in the right perspective,” said Arvind Sharma, president, AAAI. The Indian Society of Advertisers (ISA) would be attending the meeting, which has been scheduled for August 16, 2012.

     

    “Since advertising agencies are involved in media planning and buying, which is dependent on TAM ratings, we need to know if there is anything to be concerned about,” said Mr Sharma.

     

    Advertisers also say that it was time for media buying agencies to stop relying only on TAM. “Our media buying agencies depend on the ratings provided by TAM. The onus is on marketers to demand from the agencies basis at which they have been spending the advertisers’ money. There have been issues like TAM’s sample size, but over a period of time lethargy had set in,” said Salil Kapoor, chief operating officer, Dish TV.

     

    Source: The Economic Times

    Copyright © 2012, Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All Rights Reserved

     

  • Mumbai has an estimated requirement of 34.85 lakh STBs, and so far 17.07 lakh STBs have been installed

    Mumbai completes 50% digitization target

    By A Correspondent

     

    A review by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has revealed that in Mumbai, 50 per cent of cable TV homes have already been installed with STBs. Mumbai has an estimated requirement of 34.85 lakh STBs, and so far 17.07 lakh STBs have been installed. The MSO-wise installation of STBs in Mumbai is:

     

    National level MSOs: Hathway – 6.16 lakh, Den – 1.40 lakh, Digicable – 2.57 lakh, IMCL – 4.77 lakh, WWIL – 50,000 Independent MSOs - 1.69 lakh.

     

    Mr Ashok Mansukhani, President, MSO Alliance and director with Hinduja-owned IndusInd Media & Communications (IMCL) said: “We are committed to complete the installation by the deadline. However, since there is no agreement with the broadcasters, it is acting as a hindrance.”

     

    In the absence of the agreement, the price of channels cannot be decided, and the same cannot be passed on to the local cable operators (LCOs). The LCOs then have a problem giving a clear price list to the customers.

     

    The Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Amendment Act, 2011 has made it mandatory for switchover from the existing analogue Cable TV networks to Digital Addressable System (DAS) by December 2014, in the entire country in four phases. In the first phase, four metro cities of Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai are to be covered by October 31.

     

    The Ministry has been coordinating with the stakeholders regarding the preparedness of the industry for digital switch-over. Installation of Set Top Boxes in cable TV homes is the most crucial precondition for digital switch over of cable television.

     

    The Ministry is holding fortnightly Task Force meetings with all the stakeholders to take constant stock of the progress and to chalk out the measures to address emerging concerns. So far 14 meetings have taken place. The meetings are held with National level and independent Multi-Systems Operators every 15 days to assess their preparedness in terms of head-end capacities to carry minimum 500 channels from January 1, 2012 and the progress of installation of Set Top Boxes in cable TV homes. They have also been advised to prepare micro plans for completion of the requisite task within the deadline and complete all the infrastructural preparations within time.

     

    Meanwhile, in order to enable the MSOs to up-load the data on the website of the Ministry, the Ministry has put in place a software and the website has been enabled for the purpose of real-time collection of data. The software will automatically generate analytical information based on the data uploaded, resulting in a clear view of the progress made. This will not only be useful for MSOs and other stakeholders but also for the Ministry, as it will infuse transparency in the system, and enable timely corrective action.

     

  • The primary objective was to design a policy ecosystem in which new ideas would be integrated into the mainstream and get converted into policy initiatives by the government

    MIB looks ahead as Sectoral Innovation Council recommends embracing tech & new media

    By A Correspondent

     

    The Sectoral Innovation Council of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, under the Chairpersonship of Ms Asha Swarup, Retd Secretary, Government of India, on July 26 submitted its report to Minister for Information & Broadcasting, Ms Ambika Soni.  The primary objective was to design a policy ecosystem in which new ideas would be integrated into the mainstream and get converted into policy initiatives by the government.

     

    Ms Soni said that the issues deliberated upon by the Council would be looked into by the Ministry in the policy domain. The recommendations made by the Council in different Media and Entertainment sectors would act as a roadmap in the future. The Council, in its report, analysed the growth potential of the media & entertainment industry by recommending changes in critical areas such as broadcasting, print media, animation, gaming and VFX, Media education and films.

     

    The Council has made 64 recommendations in seven areas concerning the media and entertainment sector. Some of the key recommendations are:

    1. A comprehensive policy media policy that integrates all existing media segments and addresses the emergent issues. The council has recommended bringing out a National Media Policy that addresses the new media landscape.

    2. The government may look into the existing licensing procedures and requirements to ensure further liberalization and reforms in the broadcasting sector.

    3. Content innovation is required in the radio segment which would be possible only if the government comes up with a separate licensing model for niche channels.

    4. Ministry of I&B, as the policy head of public service broadcasting and community radio service could come out with a formal arrangement by which CRS could provide community based programme content to AIR and AIR could provide capacity building and training to CRS workers in content creation, management and operation of stations.

    5. The process of digitalization in DD and AIR was likely to release airwaves which after due utilization in house could be used for creating a public service broadcasting fund in line with USO fund of telecom sector. This fund could be utilized exclusively for public service broadcasting.

    6. In view of the potential in the films sector, the Council has recommended a National Film Policy that will address the role of the government vis-à-vis the private sector.

    7. Film Institutes in the country may be upgraded to ‘Centres of Excellence’. In the long term, these Centres of Excellence could become part of a Central University of Films, Broadcasting and Animation by an appropriate legislation.

    8. The government must have a National Policy for Animation, Gaming and VFX.

    9. The government should go for co-production treaties in the animation sector to ensure flow of international projects toIndia. Ministry could also consider giving responsibility to the Children’s Film Society and Doordarshan to produce animated content and create Indian IP.

    10. Reliable Single Source Data on all mediums of advertising should be made available by the government so that advertisers are able to take decisions on reliable data.

    11. Government should interact with key stakeholders and expedite a consensus on developing an alternative to TAM so that an appropriate mechanism is developed with industry participation to study audience viewing and listening behaviour and bring out reports on weekly basis.

    12. Government should regulate media education to ensure orderly growth of the discipline as part of higher education.

    13. Like medical education and technical education, Media Education to be regulated by a new organisation known as Media Education Council. The Media Education Council should be assigned the task of setting up curriculum for all levels, so that standardised curriculum with national accreditation becomes a possibility.

    14. There is need to make IIMC, FTII and SRFTI into real centres of excellence.

    15. The government should reformat the course curriculum, improve faculty of the institutes. These institutions could either be separate universities or become a part of one central university.

    16. National Awards for Innovation in different segments of M&E Sector be instituted by the ministry.

    17. New Media should be utilized for media campaigns by the government.

    E-mode transactions should be a priority for the functions of DAVP, RNI, CBFC and licensing activities of the Government for ensuring transparency.

     

    The Sectoral Innovation Council was set up on July 28, 2011 as part of the Government of India’s initiative of declaring 2010- 2020 as the Decade of Innovation. Accordingly, the Government set up a National Innovation Council with Mr Sam Pitroda as Chairman and 16 distinguished members. The members of the I&B Sectoral Innovation Council comprised of Chairperson, Ms Asha Swarup, retired Secretary, Government of India and 10 other distinguished members from the field of media and entertainment.

     

  • Just a little over three months to go for digitization in the four metros and it looks like we're going to see a replay of the same ol' story

    The Anchor: 5 reasons why Digitization may not happen even by Oct 31

    By Pradyuman Maheshwari

     

    It was unfortunate to see broadcasters forced to change their business projections and content strategies when digitization was less than a month away from the scheduled dates in June. And, now, the information one seems to be getting from the ground in the four metros is that the October 31 deadline also may not be met with.

     

    1. Momentum is lost: TAM CEO LV Krishnan said this in an interview to me last week. The urgency to go in for set-top boxes and the momentum that existed in April and May has been lost.

    2. The masses will wait and watch. Making it mandatory for cable operators and MSOs responsible for giving info is of no use. It’s the public – you and me – who have to be motivated enough to buy the box and go digital.  Don’t be surprised if the conversions fail  to pick up till the last week…

    3. Analogue will not vanish in the lower strata: TAM may not measure these homes in the four metros, but that’s not really a concern for lakhs of families who can’t afford a set-top box and the revised tariff.And just as it’s impossible to control petty crime, I don’t think the government will be able to nab the pirates in the metros.

    4. Old set-tops offer < 500 channels: Remember, the true pleasures of digitization will be felt only when you can watch those obscure television channels… Jewelry Television, may be. Or Create, a channel that shows D-I-Y and assorted instructional programming. Regrettably, many of those who embraced digital early own set-top boxes that may not be able to accommodate 500 without a tweak

    5. MIB must lead from the front: Any significant process for change must be led from the front and with the minister, her deputies and the secretariat on the ground. Are they doing it? No visible signs yet.

     

  • The objective of the page is to disseminate community radio information to a wider public and engage with over 134 operating community radio stations

    MIB starts Facebook page for community radio

    By A Correspondent

     

    In a bid to establish a direct communication between the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and various stakeholders of community radio fraternity in the country, the ministry has launched a dedicated page on Facebook- ‘Community Radio India’.

     

    The objective of the page is to disseminate community radio information to a wider public and engage with over 134 operating community radio stations of the country and other stakeholders. The page will update the stakeholders on status of licences, screening committee meetings, permission agreements, clearances for new community radio station, consultations and events.

     

    This platform would also enable community radio stations to share information about their radio programmes, upcoming events, success stories, photographs and their challenges.

     

    ‘Community Radio India’ page also aims to encourage new and aspiring stakeholders of community radio by regularly updating them on CR policy, guidelines and by answering their queries. The information shared through ‘Wall’ posts will not only be helpful for them but would also inform individuals interested in community radio.

     

    The Facebook page on community radio not only portrays the vibrant history of community radio movement in the country using ‘Timeline’ feature but also hosts key documents related to policies. The page also carries frequently asked questions (FAQs), relevant documents and photo albums of key events. The ‘Wall’ on Facebook page would facilitate discussions while enabling a participatory communication channel on issues pertaining to community radio stations.

     

    The scheme has been identified as a core intervention during the XII Five Year Plan and it is expected that the Plan period would see a quantum jump in the number of Community Radio Stations set up in the country.

     

  • To meet the growing demand of Digital cable in the country with DAS being implemented from Nov 1, Hathway Cable and Datacom Ltd has decided to scale up its inventory and procure an additional 10 lakh Set Top Boxes

    Hathway scales up to meet demand for digitization

    By A Correspondent

     

    Hathway Cable and Datacom Ltd is set to scale up the availability of set top boxes (STBs) over the next four months. In addition to the previously planned deployment of 20 lakh STBs, Hathway has decided to procure another 10 lakh STBs to meet the growing demand.

     

    Hathway’s move is in line with the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting’s latest order on implementation of DAS (Digital Addressable System) from November 1 in the four metros-Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata. By infusing additional STBs in the market, Hathway believes it is poised to meet the fresh deadline, as well as ensure a smoother transition from analogue to digital for consumers across the four metros.

     

    Commenting on the development, Mr K Jayaraman, MD & CEO, Hathway Cable and Datacom Ltd said: “Hathway has always been committed to providing consumers with the best digital cable experience and we have been preparing to bring consumers a seamless move from analogue to digital cable TV. The modified deadline presents us with a unique opportunity to reach out to and impact a greater segment of the market. Hathway plans to procure the additional 10 lakh STBs to gear up and leverage this opportunity. Therefore, in total, we plan to deploy 30 lakh digital set top boxes across the Mumbai and Delhi. The rush for digital services will peak around the last fortnight of October and we do not want to disappoint the consumers and drive them towards the costlier option of DTH services.”

     

    In the first phase of digitization of cable television, all four metros- Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai – will switch from analog to digital transmission from November 1. The rest of the country will move to digital cable by 2014 as per the regulations laid down by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) in consultation with the MIB. Due to lack of preparedness of the industry, the Ministry had recently postponed the sunset date for Phase I from June 30 to October 31.