Over the next few years the government proposes to strengthen public broadcasting services in the country and reach out to areas that are remote and disturbance affected.
These are the main proposals prepared by Union information and broadcasting ministry for implementation under the 12th Five Year Plan, under which the government wants to completely revamp its policy for reaching out to people.
Official sources stated that the I&B ministry had proposed the formulation of a policy framework for streamlining and restructuring of public broadcasting services in the country. The policy will also aim to promote, facilitate, strengthen and develop the broadcasting industry in the country. Sources stated that the policy has been framed keeping in mind the vision provided to the ministry under the leadership of I&B minister Ambika Soni.
“Another important proposal is to review and develop policy framework for publicity by government in remote and disturbed areas for positive image building,” sources stated.
Other important issues that are likely to be dealt with during the 12th plan period include a structured and time bound approach towards evolving a sound and accurate rating system for broadcasting sector. “The need for this was felt as the ratings system has an over-riding impact on content creation by broadcasters,” sources added.
The proposal also calls for an appropriate policy framework for expansion of community radio, satellite radio and FM radio system in the remaining part of the country.
“The government, as per the I&B minister’s desire, also wants to push promotion and development of mobile television service in the country,” sources added. The government also wants to establish a proper intellectual property rights protection regime so that the interests of the sector are taken care of. The proposal also calls for devising a special policy for use of India’s power in film and broadcast sectors to enhance its image in the world.