News Headline
Terrestrial TV: Trai sets terms for private players
|
NEW DELHI: Broadcast regulator Trai today paved the way for private players entry into terrestrial broadcasting by suggesting to the government it would stoke competition and choice for consumers. |
| In its recommendations on ‘Private Terrestrial Television Broadcast’, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) today said that “apart from commercial service, such a policy decision could also pave the way for community television.”
In respect of commercial television broadcasting, it has been recommended that for the present this should be permitted in both analogue and digital modes since at present there is sufficient spectrum to support a few players even in the analogue mode. Details of frequency allocation for analogue and digital service could be finalised at a later date once the major decisions are taken. Allocation of spectrum would also have to take note of the requirements of wireless based telecommunication services.  No detailed eligibility conditions have been proposed except that the same disqualifications should apply as has been decided recently for private FM radio. Similarly, the licensing structure should also follow the parallel of FM radio. |
|
However, Trai has suggested against permitting any pilot projects on MMDS or other technologies before laying down a comprehensive policy and regulatory framework. Dwelling on a licensing regime, Trai has said licences could be given on the basis of cities after an in principle announcement is made. If in case there is interest shown in particular regions, then those regions should also be allowed to be put on bid. In the case of FM radio, no networking was permitted. However, the case of television is different where there are already a large number of private channels having national coverage and viewership. Therefore, networking for television should be permitted to allow for competition with established national cable and satellite networks. In view of the large number of private TV channels having national coverage, networking has been recommended. In respect of foreign investment it has been proposed that there should be a comprehensive review to bring about a greater consistency in the rules of various segments of media sector, Trai has conveyed to the government. During the consultation process, it was noted that the telecom sector is also interested in the rea of terrestrial broadcasting and, accordingly, this review would need to take note of the likely convergence in future between A consultation paper on this subject had been circulated in February, 2005. Some of the major reasons for making these recommendations are: • The Supreme Court judgment of 1995 on airwaves that no medium should be controlled by a monopoly either of the state or of any individual, group or organisation. • The private sector would complement the public sector and provide more resources for the development of this alternative. • This would give an additional choice to the consumers to view channels in a free-to-air mode. • The recommendations recognise that community television could also be permitted and detailed recommendations on this would be sent once government takes an in principle decision to allow the private sector for terrestrial In respect of commercial television broadcasting, it has been recommended that for the present this should be permitted in both analogue and digital modes since at present there is sufficient spectrum to support a few players The general disqualifications for a policy relating to private participation in terrestrial broadcasting, according to Trai, could be the following: • Companies not incorporated in India. Details of frequency allocation for analogue and digital service could be finalised at a later date once the major decisions are taken, Trai has said. Allocation of spectrum would also have to take note of the requirements of wireless based telecommunication services. However, these set of recommendations need not necessarily mean that pubcaster Doordarshan’s monopoly over terrestrial broadcast is immediately under threat. Before any action happens on this front, the government would have to take a view on Trai’s reccomendation and then, probably, seek Parliament’s okay too on the subject of allowing private players in terrestrial broadcasting, The full text of the recommendations is available on Trai’s web site, www.trai.gov.in.
• Trusts, Societies, non-profit oganisations controlled/associated companies. |
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
