Union information and broadcasting ministry has prepared a strategic plan for attaining the comprehensive goals it has in mind by 2017.
Among them are the strengthening of the public broadcasting infrastructure, development of the broadcasting sector, evolving a PPP model for the sector, combating piracy and the development of India’s gaming and animation industry.
The plan also proposes to create a process for effective dissemination of information on the policies, programmes and achievement of government while ensuring free flow of information to the public and safeguarding freedom of the press and media in general.
“To communicate and publicise the government’s flagship programmes directly to the beneficiaries through appropriate multimedia public campaigns down to the grassroots level,” the document adds. Official sources stated that the 64-page strategic plan has been prepared after wide consultations with key media units and related stakeholders in the industry.
A major initiative, National Film Heritage Mission has been planned with the objective of centralising film content. It has also been proposed that the role of Central Board of Film Certification be changed from that of a regulator to a facilitator. CBFC will become a facilitator through a sweeping computerisation of its processes and interface with film producers so as to efficiently and expeditiously dispose of applications made for seeking film certification.
The I&B ministry also proposes to promote, facilitate and develop the broadcasting industry in India and strengthen the public service broadcaster. “Strengthen and expand infrastructure support in order to create opportunities for young talent to develop its potential in the fields of print media, electronic media and films,” it adds.
The plan also aims to evolve a sound and accurate “rating” system for broadcasting sector, instead of the present TRP system, which has an over-riding impact on content creation by broadcasters, sources stated.
The ministry also proposes to evolve a Public-Private-Partnership mode in the entertainment and media sectors.
The plan also lists film music and video piracy is a major threat to the industry and needs to be stopped in co-ordination with other concerned agencies. The strategic plan also states that “transparency should be ensured in decisions making and eliminate delays in implementation at all levels”.
Promoting the growth of DTH and Digital Cable Services has also been identified as one of the major thrust areas. While the ministry also proposes to undertake FM Phase-III, sometime in 2015-16.
All India Radio and Doordarshan will embark upon a sweeping modernisation programme during 2011-16.