News Broadcasting
Tata Sky DTH receives nod from Telecom ministry
NEW DELHI: Tata Sky, proposing to start a DTH television service in India, can heave a sigh of relief as a nod from the telecommunication ministry has cleared a big impediment in obtaining a licence from the government.
The clearance includes a green signal for the vexed matter of setting up an uplinking base in Delhi by Videsh Sanchar Nigam Ltd, an issue that was under government scanner on technical grounds of land use by VSNL.
Admitting that the telecom ministry nod would clear a lot of haze over the DTH project, Tata Sky CEO Vikram Kaushik told Indiantelevision.com today, “I have heard from the media that we have got a clearance (from the telecom ministry), but I am yet to receive any official communication from the government.”
However, Kaushik sounded pleased and said as and when the telecom ministry clearance is officially communicated to Tata Sky, it would be a step forward towards obtaining the final licence from the information and broadcasting ministry.
Still, there are various other clearances from government agencies that have to be obtained by Tata Sky, which also includes a green signal from the Wireless Planning and Co-ordination Commission (WPC) for satellite frequencies to be used by the DTH service.
Tata Sky, a 80:20 joint venture between Tata Sons and the Rupert Murdoch-controlled Star Group, is proposing to invest up to $ 500 million in capital expenditure in the DTH project that is looking at beaming 150-odd digital channels to subscribers’ homes in India in the initial phase.
Slated to be serviced through an Insat satellite, which is likely to be put in geo-stationary orbit later this month, the Tata Sky DTH project will have to compete with ASC Enterprises-promoted Dish TV and pubcaster’s DD Direct+ for which the subscribers don’t have to pay any monthly fee.
ASC Enterprises LTD is a venture of the Essel Group that is controlled by Subhash Chandra who is also the main promoter of Zee Telefilms.
News Broadcasting
CNN-News18 to host Fury in the Gulf conclave on West Asia crisis
Three-hour summit to unpack geopolitical fallout and impact on India
MUMBAI: CNN-News18 is set to host a special three-hour broadcast, Fury in the Gulf – War Conclave, on April 7, aiming to decode the escalating West Asia crisis and its far-reaching implications for India.
Scheduled from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, the conclave comes at a time when tensions between Iran and the United States are reshaping global geopolitics and triggering economic uncertainty. With India’s deep energy ties, trade links and large diaspora in the Gulf, the developments carry significant domestic relevance.
Built around the theme ‘Conflict, Consequences, and The Future,’ the programme will feature six curated sessions combining one-on-one interviews and panel discussions. The focus is to cut through the clutter and offer viewers a clearer understanding of the fast-evolving situation.
Key sessions include ‘Diplomacy in Times of War’ featuring Shashi Tharoor, and ‘World After the Iran Conflict’ with voices such as Ram Madhav, Reuven Azar, representatives from the European Union and the Iranian Deputy Envoy. Another session titled ‘Another Dunkirk?’ will bring together K. J. S. Dhillon and Jitin Prasada among others.
CNN-News18 editorial affairs director Rahul Shivshankar said, “In times of war, clarity becomes the most powerful tool. Fury in the Gulf – War Conclave brings together credible voices to address the questions and confusion that arise amid an overwhelming influx of information.”
He added that the initiative is aimed at delivering “facts, perspective, and insight” at a time when misinformation can easily cloud public understanding.
Echoing the sentiment, CNN-News18 CEO– English and business news Smriti Mehra said the conflict marks a defining global moment, with consequences that extend well beyond the region. She noted that the conclave seeks to present the crisis with “depth, nuance and responsibility” so audiences can better grasp its real-world impact.
As geopolitical tensions continue to dominate headlines, the conclave positions itself as an attempt to bring order to the noise, offering viewers a structured, insight-led look at a complex and rapidly shifting global situation.
