MIB Prepares Digitization Roadmap

In a major move to mainstream the digitization roadmap, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has undertaken a series of reviews to assess the progress. In a meeting, it was confirmed that orders have already been placed by major service providers for about 8.79 million set-top boxes that would take care of the projected need of 10 million boxes for the first phase of digitization for which the cut-off date is June 30, 2012 in the four metros. With effect from July 1, 2012, it would be obligatory for every cable operator to provide signals in digital addressable mode.

The above figures are indicative of major service providers having taken cognizance of the notification issued by the MIB regarding the sunset date of conversion from analog-to-digital services in the four metro cities. It also shows that the industry does not expect any postponement of the notified date as adequate preparations and plans are underway for implementation.

The digitization would provide a bonanza for the consumers in terms of picture quality, availability of wide range of channels, and freedom of choice for selection of channels as against poor picture quality, limited channels selection, and forcible promotion of bouquets by some service providers at present.

Standing Committee on Information Technology Invites Suggestions

The Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Second Amendment Bill, 2011 as introduced in the Lok Sabha on December 15, 2011 has been referred to the Standing Committee on Information Technology, headed by Rao Inderjit Singh, MP, for examination and report to the parliament.

The Bill, inter alia, proposes to amend the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act 1995 so as to prohibit transmission or re-transmission of unregistered channels as well as to enhance the punishment provided for contravention of the provisions of the aforesaid Act. Considering the immense importance of the Bill, the Committee has decided to invite memoranda containing views/suggestions from various individuals/experts/organizations/stakeholders interested in the subject matter of the Bill.

The memoranda which might be submitted to the Committee would form part of the records of the Committee and would be treated as confidential and should not be printed, circulated, or published by anyone as such an act would constitute a breach of privilege of the Committee.

AIR and DD Expand Reach in Tribal Areas

The government is all geared up to expand the reach of national broadcasters, All-India Radio (AIR) and Doordarshan, in tribal areas in the next few years. Most of these areas, affected by Maoist insurgency, will now be served by special programs in tribal languages like Halbi, Gondi, Munda, and Sargujia. The step is an effort to reach out to the local population of the backward tribal regions of the country in their mother tongue.

The step has been initiated by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) to ensure better impact of national broadcasters amongst the local population. It is an attempt at stopping misinformation campaign being unleashed by the Maoists and terrorist outfits.

The expansion has been initiated after wide consultations between the Ministry of Home Affairs and the MIB, and aims to help create awareness regarding government policies and initiatives. The national broadcasters have been directed for better programming in tribal languages.