News Broadcasting
HITS operator to gain prominence post CAS
MUMBAI:The emergence of the HITS (headend in the sky) operator is on the anvil in the fast changing broadcast scenario in the country, even as confusion continues to reign about the actual implementation of CAS.
At the Scat 2003 Bombay workshop held in Mumbai earlier this week, several LMOs (last mile operators) expressed their concerns about CAS: the huge cost of encoders (Rs 100,000 for two channels); economically unviable to deliver add-on channels in a bouquet; not viable for small networks to offer a large pay bouquet and high cost of subscriber management software and support infrastructure.
HITS could be the answer they are searching for. HITS services can ensure that more than 150 channels reach the smallest and far flung LMO in addition to offering centralized control for authorization; subscriber management system collection of payments and audits along with interactivity with broadcasters. . In the US, HITS operators get up to 60 per cent distribution commissions.
Local cable operators (LCOs) however fear that customers will be addressed directly by the HITS operator, and broadcasters worry that the HITS operator will become the most important link in the distribution chain.
Addressing the concerns of the LMOs and LCOs, Satellite and Cable TV magazine editor-in-chief Dinyar Contractor detailed the advantages of the HITS system (head end in the sky): HITS can be delivered to any LMO; located anywhere in the footprint; it has zero encoder cost; no subscriber management system to be installed; no financial audit by pay channels; LMOs can assemble their own basic local tier; no hassles or interaction with broadcasters.
Contractor detailed the following technical specifications of the HITS system: * TV signals are received from various broadcasters * These broadcaster signals are descrambled using various IRDs to yield video and audio baseland signals for each channel * Each signal is digitally compressed to MPEG -2 formats; statistical optmisation may be done and eight to 10 channels can be compressed on each transponder * All channels are digitally encrypted using a common encryption system for CAS * The digital stream is QPSK modulated and uplinked whereas C or Ku-band downlink can be used for HITS LMO receives the QPSK modulated HITS signal from the satellite * Satellite signal is down converted in frequency (600 MHz) and these 600 MHz digital signals are mixed with the analog basic tier by the LMO and distributed * Each subscriber must have a digital set-top-box (STB) DVB-C which is authorized via satellite from the HITS operation centre.
It is believed that broadcasters will be unsupportive of HITS because there is no control over geographic locations: for instance an LMO in Assam can distribute the signal in Bangladesh. Approximately 80 government clearances are required and there is a question mark about Ku-band TV downlink.
Zee Telefilms is the only broadcaster which is propagating the cause of HITS. In fact, Siticable, a 100 per cent subsidiary of Zee Telefilms has plans to unveil the same in April 2003.
There is a general feeling that the HITS operator can poach into areas where other MSOs have traditionally conducted business. However, experts believe that MSOs will respect each other’s domains and refrain from poaching.
News Broadcasting
Govt extends suspension of BARC ratings for news channels by four weeks
Move aims to curb sensational coverage amid global conflict concerns
MUMBAI: India’s television news ratings freeze is set to run longer. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has extended the suspension of Television Rating Points reporting for news channels by another four weeks, following its initial order issued on 6 March.
The directive had instructed the Broadcast Audience Research Council to temporarily halt TRP data for news broadcasters for a month, or until further notice. According to media reports, the pause has now been extended by an additional four weeks, taking the suspension into a second consecutive month and signalling continued regulatory unease.
At the heart of the decision are concerns over sensational and speculative reporting by sections of the news media, particularly during coverage of the US–Iran conflict. The ministry believes such content risks amplifying public anxiety and distorting viewer perception during sensitive geopolitical developments.
Industry watchers say the extension underscores a broader push to nudge news broadcasters towards more measured and responsible reporting. Earlier signals had hinted that the suspension could be prolonged further if channels failed to dial down panic-driven narratives.
For broadcasters and advertisers alike, the absence of TRP data continues to cloud visibility on audience behaviour, even as it sharpens the spotlight on editorial conduct.
