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
Prasar Bharati sets EPG standards for DD Free Dish platform
New specs define 7-day guide, LCN mapping, and device compatibility.
MUMBAI: Your TV guide just got a backstage pass structured, scheduled, and far more in sync. Prasar Bharati has released detailed technical specifications for Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) services on DD Free Dish, laying down a standardised framework for how channels and programme information are organised and delivered. At the core of the update is a defined EPG data structure, covering genre-based categorisation, scheduling formats, and Logical Channel Numbering (LCN). The aim is simple: make navigation less guesswork and more guided experience across the platform’s over 40 million households.
The specifications also introduce a seven-day programme guide window for each channel, alongside clear rules for channel grouping and LCN mapping effectively deciding not just what you watch, but how easily you find it.
On the technical front, the document outlines requirements for Program Specific Information (PSI) and Service Information (SI), including descriptor usage across tables such as PAT, BAT and NIT. It further details service lists and network linkage parameters, giving OEMs and developers a clearer blueprint for integration.
Importantly, the framework is designed to work seamlessly with television sets equipped with in-built satellite tuners, enabling users to access DD Free Dish directly without additional hardware, an incremental but meaningful step towards simplifying access.
The platform will continue to operate on GSAT-15 transponders, using MPEG-4 compression and DVB-S2 transmission standards, ensuring continuity even as the interface evolves.
While largely technical, the move signals a broader push towards standardisation and user-friendly discovery in India’s free-to-air ecosystem because sometimes, the real upgrade isn’t what’s on screen, but how easily you get there.
