I&B Ministry
I&B notifies Rs 72 as basic tier cost
NEW DELHI: It’s official.
In a post CAS regime, the price of the basic tier of free to air channels will cost Rs 72. The ministry of information and broadcasting cleared the file today for the government to issue a notification on the same.
The final seal of approval on the matter ends days of uncertainty and lobbying by broadcasters and cable operators. The task force on the conditional access system (CAS) had recommnded Rs 71.33 as the basic tier of service price for the minimum of 30 channels. Many major cable operators have been upset, claiming the price of Rs 72 for the basic tier is too low and had contemplated legal action, while others are willing to give it a try as CAS is in the ‘national interest’.
Watch this space for further developments on the issue.
I&B Ministry
MIB halts news TRPs for four weeks over sensational US-Iran conflict coverage
Government flags panic-mongering in television war coverage
NEW DELHI: India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting directed the Broadcast Audience Research Council India (BARC) to suspend television ratings for news channels for four weeks amid concerns over sensational coverage of the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Iran.
According to media reports, the move intends to curb excessive dramatisation in television reporting that could trigger unnecessary public anxiety.
Officials have observed that several news broadcasters are amplifying developments in the conflict in ways that may fuel panic among viewers. By temporarily halting the publication of viewership data, the ministry hopes to ease the competitive pressure on channels to chase ratings through sensational content.
The suspension will remain in effect for one month for now. During this period, television news channels will continue to broadcast as usual, but their audience measurement figures will neither be counted nor released.
Authorities will monitor both the evolving geopolitical situation and the tone of television coverage during the pause. The four-week suspension could be extended if the government believes the risk of panic-mongering or sensational reporting persists.
