News Broadcasting
Govt. rules out expansion plans for terrestrial network DD
NEW DELHI: In what may be an indication to the slow digitalisation process being set in motion, the government today ruled out further expansion of terrestrial network of pubcaster Doordarshan.
Instead, the KU-band route would be preferred to increase coverage to cover 100 per cent of the population.
New terrestrial transmitters (of DD) are not envisaged to be set up for expansion of television coverage,information and broadcasting minister Jaipal Reddy informed Lok Sabha (Lower House) today in reply to a question whether the government is planning to phase out terrestrial expansion of the pubcasters network.
In this whole plan, the only exception would be the northeastern regions and island territories like Andaman & Nicobar.
At the moment, DDs networks cover slightly over 90 per cent of the Indian population through 25 channels, 1,402 high and low-powered transmitters and putting out 1,485 hours of programming a week.
However, the minister allayed fears that terrestrial transmission of DD would be stopped altogether, which may deprive a vast population of the country from a cheap source of entertainment and information.
The government also expects that the prices of hardware needed for accessing KU-band transmissions would fall from the present Rs. 3,000, which is the price for the equipment to receive DDs direct-to-home television service, DD Direct Plus.
With increase in demand for KU-band systems, the price of these sets is expected to come down further, Reddy informed Lok Sabha, making it clear that there was no compulsion for people to buy DTH hardware as they could continue receiving DD fare via cable and terrestrially too. One of the reasons for the previous Bharatiya JanataParty-led government clearing DDs KU-band project in 2003 was that calculations showed terrestrial expansion of DDs networks would be more costly than taking the KU-band route.
Reddy also informed Parliament that DDs KU-band project was approved at a total cost of Rs. 1,640 million and an expenditure of approximately Rs. 330 million had been incurred till October 2004.
News Broadcasting
News18 hosts Tamil Nadu town hall ahead of 2026 polls
MK Stalin headlines ‘Next Big Leap’ event from 10am on 23 February in Chennai with leaders and icons.
MUMBAI: Tamil Nadu’s political pot is simmering and News18’s town hall is stirring it up just in time for the 2026 assembly elections boilover. Set for 23 February from 10am onwards in Chennai, the News18 Network Town Hall gathers heavyweights under the banner ‘The Next Big Leap for Tamil Nadu’ to dissect the state’s political pulse, economic edge, and cultural clout. With the 234-seat assembly contest looming as a fiercely competitive showdown, the event spotlights how Tamil Nadu’s identity-driven politics and engaged voters continue to ripple across national debates.
Chief minister MK Stalin leads the charge with a keynote on the theme, sketching his government’s blueprint for governance, development, and staying power pre-polls. Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin chimes in on ‘Voices, Vision & Way Forward’, unpacking generational shifts and fresh narratives. From the opposition corner, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami tackles ‘Baton Change at the Ballot?’, floating alternatives to the status quo.
Economic vibes get a nudge from industries minister TRB Rajaa on ‘Investment Story Intact?’, probing the state’s draw for big bucks. BJP’s K Annamalai dives into ‘People, Trust & Political Ideology’, positioning his party in the Dravidian-dominated turf. IT Minister Palanivel ThiagaRajan explores ‘Code, Capacity & Citizenship’, on tech’s role in citizen-focused services. TVK’s KG Arunraj questions if ‘Winds of Change are Possible’ in this pattern-prone state.
A panel on innovation features IIT Madras director Prof V Kamakoti, M&M’s Velusamy R, and Electronic Industries Association’s Dr Sasikumar Gendham, musing how AI and knowledge hubs are remaking opportunities. Culture gets its due with composer Anirudh Ravichander on ‘Tamil Music for the World’.
CNN-News18, editorial affairs director Rahul Shivshankar noted, “The News18 Network Tamil Nadu Town Hall… reflects our core editorial focus, to capture the political mood of the state and spotlight the ideas that will shape the next phase of governance and growth.”
Network18, CEO of English & business news Smriti Mehra added, “As Tamil Nadu moves closer to a defining electoral moment… we see it as our responsibility to drive informed and meaningful conversations.”
Network18 managing editor for South, Vivek Narayan said, “The News18 Network Townhall in Tamil Nadu is designed as a platform where policy, politics and public interest intersect.”
Backed by associate partners Tata Motors Commercial Vehicles and Reliance Industries, the live event streams on CNN-News18, News18 Tamil, CTV, and Youtube from 10am on 23 February perfect for catching the sparks, even if you’re not knee-deep in Dravidian drama.
