News Broadcasting
Cable industry seeks recognition as part of IT industry
MUMBAI: The cable industry, represented by the Cable Operators Federation of India, Cable Network Association and the National Cable and Telecommunication Association has put forth its own wish list for Budget 2003-4.
(i) Right of Way – Even after 12 years of existence of the industry, there is no policy on “right of way”, i.e. authority to use electric or telephone poles to lay cables at a reasonable rental amount. Every state at present charges arbitrarily and some big business houses influence these state agencies not to give rights to last mile operators to create their monopolies.
(ii) Stealing of Cable TV Signals – Stealing of Cable TV signals by unscrupulous people to get a free access has not been made a cognisable offence.
(iii) Entertainment Tax – Entertainment tax levied on subscribers differs drastically in different states for the same channels. This should be rationalised by central government and a limit should be exercised in this.
(iv) Entry Fee for Broadcasters – All broadcasters broadcasting in the country must be made to pay an entry fee to the government. In particular the pay channels who charge a hefty sum from the subscribers must pay this fee so that government has control on their entry in India.
(v) Recognition as Infrastructure Industry – Cable Television industry must be given the status of infrastructure industry as part of IT industry as it is only Cable TV networks that can carry broadband signals, the future base of information technology.
(vi) Financial Base – Financial institutions should be encouraged to provide financial help to Cable Operators for upgradation of networks and installation of new technologies like CAS.
(vii) Technical Training – Technical Training Institutes like the ITIs, should include Cable TV and Broadband training in their courses to create a well trained work force for better functioning of the industry.
(viii) Custom Duties – Custom duties on CAS equipment and related equipment for headends should be eliminated to enable affordable upgradation of networks.
News Broadcasting
CNN-News18 to host Fury in the Gulf conclave on West Asia crisis
Three-hour summit to unpack geopolitical fallout and impact on India
MUMBAI: CNN-News18 is set to host a special three-hour broadcast, Fury in the Gulf – War Conclave, on April 7, aiming to decode the escalating West Asia crisis and its far-reaching implications for India.
Scheduled from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, the conclave comes at a time when tensions between Iran and the United States are reshaping global geopolitics and triggering economic uncertainty. With India’s deep energy ties, trade links and large diaspora in the Gulf, the developments carry significant domestic relevance.
Built around the theme ‘Conflict, Consequences, and The Future,’ the programme will feature six curated sessions combining one-on-one interviews and panel discussions. The focus is to cut through the clutter and offer viewers a clearer understanding of the fast-evolving situation.
Key sessions include ‘Diplomacy in Times of War’ featuring Shashi Tharoor, and ‘World After the Iran Conflict’ with voices such as Ram Madhav, Reuven Azar, representatives from the European Union and the Iranian Deputy Envoy. Another session titled ‘Another Dunkirk?’ will bring together K. J. S. Dhillon and Jitin Prasada among others.
CNN-News18 editorial affairs director Rahul Shivshankar said, “In times of war, clarity becomes the most powerful tool. Fury in the Gulf – War Conclave brings together credible voices to address the questions and confusion that arise amid an overwhelming influx of information.”
He added that the initiative is aimed at delivering “facts, perspective, and insight” at a time when misinformation can easily cloud public understanding.
Echoing the sentiment, CNN-News18 CEO– English and business news Smriti Mehra said the conflict marks a defining global moment, with consequences that extend well beyond the region. She noted that the conclave seeks to present the crisis with “depth, nuance and responsibility” so audiences can better grasp its real-world impact.
As geopolitical tensions continue to dominate headlines, the conclave positions itself as an attempt to bring order to the noise, offering viewers a structured, insight-led look at a complex and rapidly shifting global situation.
