Govt committed to time-bound transformation of broadcast:Verma

MUMBAI: TheGovernment has laid a fi rm road map for digitisation of broadcasting and is committed to time bound transformation of the broadcast chain, especially the cable television distribution chain. Giving a Vision Statement for the Information and Broadcasting sector at the inauguration of FICCI Frames 2012 here today, I&B Secretary Uday Kumar Varma said the Government has addressed the issue comprehensively and Parliament has passed the law for mandatory digitisation of cable services in December 2011. He said the cable services will switch to digital mode in Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata and Chennai as early as July 2012 and the whole country will go digital by December 31, 2014. ‘This will address a plethora of issues facing the television industry, such as addressability, carriage fees, audience measurement, and consumer choice and so on,” he said. Varma said the decision of the Government will have a long-term benefi cial impact for all players in the chain, increasing transparency in the sharing of distribution revenues and helping improve both the quality and variety of content. He termed the digitisation challenge undertaken by India as unique in several respects. With over 80 million analog TV homes going digital, it will make cable the largest provider of digital content. He asserted that all the stake holders’ broadcasters, MSOs and cable operators have supported the Government’s move. The Secretary also announced that the Union Cabinet has approved the proposal to allow 839 new FM radio stations in over 250 towns of the country. He said the process of eauction has already been initiated. Mr Varma also spoke about the need to strengthen public broadcasting to promote plurality and offer varied content. The government has laid special focus on community radio and informed that as many as 1000 community/ campus radio stations will be set up across the country, to give voice to local aspirations. Varma, in his vision statement, also outlined the other initiatives taken by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. These include setting up of single window facility for shooting clearances in India, promotion of India as a cinema shooting destination in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, restructuring of information dissemination system and plans for celebration of the Centenary of Indian Cinema between May 3, 2012 to May 3, 2013. STAR India CEO Uday Shankar, in his inaugural address, said digitisation has become a reality and the industry needs to respond to the challenge with a positive mindset. He said digitization will create niche channels and promote decentralisation of content creation. Senator Chris Dodd, in his key-note address. Termed India as one of the largest entertainment markets. He said the Hollywood Studios have understood the business potential and are increasingly collaborating with Indian production houses. He however, cautioned about the perils of piracy and said strong laws are needed to curb content theft. FICCI Frames is one of the largest congregations of media industry that provides an annual forum for discussion, exchange of information and networking opportunity for industry professionals and stakeholders. About 2000 Indian and 800 international delegates are attending this year’s event. Japan is the partner country