I&B Ministry
NBDSA takes cognizance of three debate shows aired by Times Now channel on Teesta Samvad
Mumbai: The News Broadcasting & Digital Standards Authority (NBDSA), has taken cognizance of three debate shows aired by Times Now channel on Teesta Setalvad. This was based on a complaint dated 1 July, 2022 filed by Citizens for Justice and Peace, which mentioned about three debate shows aired on Times Now channel on 25, 27 and 28 June 2022, titled “Teesta Setalvad arrested by Gujarat Crime branch; Plot nailed; plotters next?”; “Was Teesta’s NGO given money? Did Congress plotted (sic) conspiracy against Modi?”; and “Teesta Setalvad exposed; Rules bent to grant funds, proof of Congress patronage uncovered”.
The complainant stated that the tone, tenor and choice of words spoken as well as displayed on the screen during the impugned shows, suggested that the intention of the programmes was to project journalist and human rights defender Setalvad as someone unworthy of trust or compassion. The complainant maintained that it believed that the impugned broadcasts had violated the principles of impartiality, objectivity and neutrality enshrined under the Code of Ethics & Broadcasting Standards and Guidelines.
Meanwhile, in its written submissions dated 2 September 2022, Times Now denied and disputed all allegations/ contentions/ averments made by the complainant in the subject. Times Now further stated, “That there was no violation of any Code of Ethics, regulations of NBDSA/ NBDA in the impugned broadcasts as the said news coverages did not impede any individual’s right and the public has the right to know. Investigative journalism was carried out and only pertinent and contextual questions were posted on the debate to bring out all aspects of the situation. Pertinently, no opinion was formulated by the channel, or its reporters and these questions were neither leading nor accusatory as alleged.”
After considering the application seeking condonation of delay filed by the complainant and the response received thereof from the broadcaster. NBDSA decided to call both parties for a hearing. After considering the complaint, response of the broadcaster and also giving due consideration to the arguments of the complainant and the broadcaster and viewing the footage of the broadcasts, NBDSA noted that the broadcaster had during the impugned broadcasts sought the views of several persons and the allegations made in respect of Setalvad.
I&B Ministry
Digital radio, D2M tech set to reshape broadcasting and public messaging
Govt pushes next-gen delivery while TRAI tightens grip on spam ecosystem
NEW DELHI: India’s broadcasting and telecom landscape is undergoing a quiet but significant upgrade, with digital radio and Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) technologies emerging as powerful tools for mass communication, while regulators step up efforts to tackle spam calls.
According to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, digital radio and D2M are poised to transform how content reaches audiences by making more efficient use of spectrum. In simple terms, multiple channels can now be delivered over a single frequency, opening the door to a wider range of free-to-air content.
D2M technology takes this a step further by enabling video, audio and data to be broadcast directly to mobile handsets without relying on SIM cards or mobile data. The result is a resilient and cost-effective data pipe that can deliver everything from entertainment and education to critical emergency alerts, even in low-connectivity scenarios.
At the same time, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India is tightening its grip on unsolicited commercial communication, better known as spam calls. The regulator has deployed a distributed ledger technology platform to bring transparency and accountability into the system.
Through this blockchain-based setup, consumers can register their preferences on receiving promotional messages, while businesses and telemarketers must also sign up and operate within defined rules. The platform also includes a complaint mechanism that allows users to report spam, with complaints shared across telecom operators for coordinated action.
The government’s broader push is being supported by infrastructure upgrades under the Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development scheme. Implemented through Prasar Bharati, the initiative focuses on modernising networks such as Akashvani and Doordarshan, including digitisation and adoption of next-generation broadcast equipment.
In a written reply in the Lok Sabha, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting minister of state for information and broadcasting L. Murugan said these steps are part of a larger effort to promote emerging technologies and strengthen the country’s broadcasting backbone. The response came to a query raised by member of Parliament Rao Rajendra Singh.
Together, these developments point to a dual-track strategy: expanding access to reliable, low-cost content while cleaning up the communication ecosystem. As digital pipes get smarter and spam filters sharper, India’s airwaves may soon feel a lot less noisy and far more useful.
