Information & Broadcasting Secretary Uday Kumar Varma today (13-04-2013) said that his Ministry is considering launching a 24-hour News Channel on AIR on the pattern of DD News. Addressing a meeting in Amritsar with Punjab based Heads of various Media Units of I&B Varma said that government is exploring various aspects and the technicalities involved in launching a 24-hour News Channel on All India Radio.

            The I&B Secretary reviewed the existing status of AIR & DDK transmission in the border areas, and discussed in detail the progress of digitalization of AIR & DDK. He said Govt. has evolved a programme wherein transmission facilities in border areas will be adequately strengthened. He stated that to achieve this end, sufficient funds have been earmarked in the 12th Plan. He observed that digitalization is taking place successfully and rapidly in India as compared to USA, UK, and China etc which took them 10 to 15 years to accomplish this task.

          He expressed confidence that digitalization of transmission signals will completely change the broadcasting scenario in the country within the next couple of years. Stressing the officers to improve the quality and content of their programes. He underlined the need for evolving a system of getting feedback from the masses to ascertain and assess people’s reception and response to such programs.

         He directed the DD authorities to explore the possibility of introducing a Toll Free number on which viewers, cutting across national borders, could directly voice their opinion. He also instructed the AIR officers to explore the feasibility of relaying Vividh Bharati Prog. on FM Rainbow during its non-broadcast slots.

         Reacting to certain reports on monopoly by certain private cable TV operators, the I&B Secretary said the matter stands already referred to TRAI for rendering its legal opinion on the issue. Speaking about Prasar Bharti Varma said to determine and define the relations between the Govt. and the Prasar Bharati an Expert Committee, under the Chairmanship of, Sam Pitroda has been set up.

           He said process to fill vacancies in Prasar Bharati has already been initiated. He said Govt. will fully bear the burden of salaries etc. on all employees for the next 5 years who were in AIR or DD till 2007.

        Varma also reviewed the functioning of PIB, and DFP in the State and assured to address their functional difficulties. In today’s meeting, officers from All India Radio, Doordarshan Kendra, Press Information Bureau and Dte. of Field Publicity took part and apprised the worthily Secretary of their functioning in their respective fields in the State.

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