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 India launches Command Centre war explainer with Arya
New show shifts from debates to decoding global conflicts and impacts
MUMBAI: News18 India has rolled out a new war-focused programme, Command Centre, featuring Gaurav Arya, as it looks to offer viewers a sharper, more grounded take on global conflicts amid rising tensions in West Asia.
Positioned as an “insider war room”, the show moves away from conventional panel debates and instead focuses on explaining military developments, decoding strategy and connecting global events to their everyday impact, from fuel prices to economic shifts.
The format leans heavily on visuals and data. The studio has been designed like a command hub, complete with large LED war maps, real-time graphics and an alert system to track developments as they unfold.
At the centre of it all is Arya, who brings his military background to simplify complex war strategies for viewers. His signature line, “Seedhi baat samjhiye”, anchors the show’s promise of clarity over noise.
News18 India managing editor Jyoti Kamal said, “Command Centre, featuring Major Gaurav Arya is designed to deliver accurate insights and a clear perspective on how evolving conflicts impact everyday life, from household budgets to national security. With expert voices analysing every development in real time, the show goes beyond headlines to decode what’s happening now, what it means, and what could come next.”
Echoing the intent, Gaurav Arya added, “In times of war, confusion is the biggest threat. With News18 India’s Command Centre, we are bringing viewers inside the war room, decoding strategies, tracking every escalation, and explaining, in the simplest terms, what it means for India and for every household. Seedhi baat samjhiye, this is where you understand not just what is happening, but what happens next.”
The weekday show will air in the afternoon slot and will also feature Gaurav Shukla, adding to its editorial depth.
With its mix of analysis, visuals and a clear focus on impact, the show reflects a broader shift in news consumption. Viewers are no longer just watching events unfold, they are looking to understand what those events mean for them.
