Should digital radio be a part of your media mix?

Digital radio has been seen coming to the fore for reasons ranging from filling the need gap for niche audiences to creating differentiation which is not possible on terrestrial stations in the absence of Phase III. With increasing number of hours spent on the internet and the arrival of smartphones, Indian audiences are seen warming up to radio's online avatar.

With the success of online streaming portals such as Pandora and Streema, one can rely on the fact that online radio shall be one of 'THE' media tools in the near future. However, there might be a few hurdles that need to be crossed first.

Challenges faced

The major problems faced by broadcasters that need to be addressed are broadband penetration and cost of broadband, music royalty issue, monetisation, increase smartphone penetration and the competition with music-only websites.

 

Internet penetration in India is current estimated at 100 million users and broadband penetration at 15 million users. Also, the cost of broadband connection (which is considerably high) becomes a major issue for broadcasters who bank on them to reach out to their listeners through the online portals.

Music royalty on streamed music is another major issue that holds back players from investing in this medium. In the absence of a uniform mechanism, music labels and internet radio operators are still at loggerheads for the amount of royalty to be paid. The operators believe that royalty for liner internet radio should be determined on the basis of the regulations for FM radio as both – the terrestrial and internal portals have the same features, only the platform of distribution is different. On the other hand, respondents hold that statutory should be extended to internet radio and that the Copyright Board should decide the royalty fee for internet radio stations.

Promise of growth

In spite of all the problems, investing in digital radio is a good bet, for marketers have the opportunity to grow with the growing medium. According to a research conducted by Radio Advertising Bureau (in international markets), internet radio use increases ad recall and ad response.

While the situation may not be exactly same in the Indian markets, it is surely reaching there with the increasing consumption of internet through smartphones. A research by Google and IPSOS indicates that Indian smartphone users access internet multiple times a day with 40 per cent users surfing the internet at least once a day. Also, while most of the advertisers focus on social media, banners and video content, online radio can prove to be a unique way to reach out to the target audience.

In spite of all the barriers and competition, the surprise element while listening to online streamed music can be witnessed only on digital radio. Thus, investing in online radio can be very beneficial for marketers to reach out segmented listeners with engagement and measurement.

Compiled by Saloni Surti on the basis of CII-E&Y's report on the Indian radio industry named 'Poised for growth: FM radio in India'

Source: http://www.exchange4media.com

Community radio: Riding airwaves for change

In a remote village of Kutch, elderly men listen to the radio with rapt attention as a play stresses horrors of domestic violence whereas in Sanand near Ahmedabad, a group of illiterate women dial a number to consult a doctor on a phone-in programme of a radio for gynaecological problems.

In both the examples, it is not the 'mainstream' radio that is bringing in the silent revolution in the state but the community radio that optimizes the power of airwaves.

Members of more than 20 organizations from Gujarat and neighbouring states attended a regional consultation workshop in the city organized by the ministry of information and broadcasting (I&B) and OneWorld Foundation India in collaboration with Rudi no Radio by Sewa. The three-day workshop aims at explaining the procedure to the NGOs and organizations interested in setting up the community radio and addressing issues such as fundraising and sustainability.

Talking about the need of such an initiative, Namrata Bali, director, Sewa Academy, told TOI that out of 148 community radio (CR) stations in India, only five are functioning in the state. "We are yet to tap the full potential of the medium where a community can own the station and can disseminate relevant content right from social messages to infotainment among the members.

In Gujarat, we have experienced social transformation in areas such as health, livelihood and gender issues," she said. However it is all not rosy on the CR front. The free airwave advocates have pointed out issues such as tedious and monotonous procedure for setting up a station including permission from four central ministries. , requirements for such a station and the biggest hurdle - applying online. The NGO representatives said that it might be an irony to expect a community in interiors of the country going for CR to have knowledge of internet or English. Another issue faced by most of the organizations is sustainability as without backing of a parent organization, it is difficult for the radio to survive.

Source: http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Radio communication workshop concludes

Chandigarh: A five-day workshop on Radio Communication, hosted jointly by Centre for Vivekananda Studies and Department of Education, Panjab University,  concluded on Tuesday in the University campus.

The workshop brought together people from All India Radio, USOL, Panjab University, School of Communication Studies and Media luminaries. The participants included 24 research scholars and 10 Post Graduate students. They learnt the techniques of Pre-Production, Production and Post-Production of Radio Programme. Dr Latika Sharma, the organising secretary of these workshops was hopeful that experience gained through these workshops will bring back students to try their hands in production of Radio Programmes.

 Book on Kuka Movement

Chandigarh: A book entitled 'Kuka Movement : Social and Cultural Perspective' edited by Prof Jaspal Kaur Kaang and Dr Sukhdev Singh, both Professors of Punjabi was released by Prof Arun Kumar Grover, Vice Chancellor, Panjab University and Surinder Singh Namdhari, Vice President, Namdhari Darbar and Vice Chairman, Kuka Martyr Trust, on Tuesday in the Vice Chancellor office. The book is dedicated to the 150th historical memory of Kuka's who sacrificed their lives for the freedom struggle of India. The book is printed by Panjab University Press Chandigarh and complied by the Department of Guru Nanak Sikh Studies. Grover appreciated the research work complied by the authors. He recalled the significant role made by Kuka movement in India's struggle for freedom and in many other spheres of Nation's development.

 Golden Jubilee of NIT, Kurukshetra

Kurukshetra: NIT Kurukshetra is celebrating its Golden Jubilee Year celebrations  in which a two-day National Conference on Recent Trends in Energy, Systems and Control (RTESC-2013) was organized by the Department of Electrical Engineering. The national level conference was inaugurated by  R.N Lal, Electrical Adviser, Delhi Metro Railway Corporation (DMRC) and the former member of Railway Board. Lal emphasised that in order to have a sustained growth, energy supply should be increased by 3-4 times, and electricity generation capacity by at least 5-6 times till 2031-32. Prof Anand Mohan, Director, NIT Kurukshetra applauded the Electrical Engineering Department for their initiative in promoting research in the field of energy, systems and control engineering. He also emphasised dealing with long-term and short-term energy requirements of India. Three plenary sessions and five paper presentation sessions were scheduled in the conference.

Training of Trainers at KUrukshetra

Kurukshetra: A six-day UGC sponsored Training of Trainers Workshop by Women's Studies Research Centre, Kurukshetra University organised on capacity building of women managers in higher education began on Tuesday. Around 40 participants from states of Delhi, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand and Maharashtra attended the Workshop. Prof Reicha Tanwar, Director, Women's Studies Research Centre  said that this was one of the most prestigious Workshops and after attending it, the participants would become the master trainers and impart similar training in their respective regions. Susheela Kaushik, Co-chair, National Consultative Committee said that it is a common knowledge that there are not as many women as men at decision making levels in any field. Vice Chancellor, KU, Lt Gen. D.D.S. Sandhu said that women can develop skills, enhance their capacities in higher education and this programme will enable them to perform better in their respective fields.

Source: dailypioneer.com

All India Radio launches Android app, YouTube channels

To carve a niche for itself on the social media, the All India Radio (AIR) has launched live streaming of its Urdu service, FM Gold on YouTube and an Android based mobile phone application of for its news service.

The services were launched by Information and Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari.

Speaking on the occasion, Tewari said the advent of AIR on social media platforms was an important step in enhancing its outreach across the country.

With the use of social media, people could now access the content of AIR in any part of the globe, he said.

A statement released by the ministry here said that this initiative would also enable the listeners of AIR to access the archives at one click of a button. The statement added that the Android based mobile application has been developed for accessing News stories from the AIR News Network.

Tewari said that apart from catering to news and information needs of audiences both domestic and external, this innovative technology would enhance the profile, content and reach of its National and Regional bulletins in Regional Languages in the audio form. The integration with mobile applications would address the communication needs of the youth and the audience that followed new technologies, the statement said.

Source:http://gadgets.ndtv.com

The first wave

By PRINCE FREDERICK on the city's first radio broadcasting transmitter

The Government Museum on Pantheon's Road, Egmore, provides evidence to the
contrary: a huge radio broadcasting transmitter (visit
chennaimuseum.orgfor details) bearing the trademark of Walter Rogers &
Company, on display
at the museum, is the surviving symbol of an effort, largely orchestrated
by amateur radio operators, to keep 'experimental radio broadcast' going in
Madras. As part of this exercise, the very first transmission in Madras
went out from this instrument through the call sign 2GR, on July 31, 1924.

http://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/the-first-wave/article4407448.ece

[Alokesh Gupta, New Delhi, Via dx_india YG] 

Will AM And FM Radio Really Be Eliminated On New Cars?

The conventional wisdom is that kids these days don't dig the AM and FM radio as much as their parents and grandparents did. They're too busy listening to tunes on their smartphones or even on satellite radio. But does that mean that we could see an end to FM and AM radio being offered on new cars in the next five years?

I ask because of this article in Radio Ink Magazine written by its publisher, Eric Rhoads, in which he attends a panel at their own Radio Ink Conference last week. On said panel were three unnamed reps who work in the auto industry, including a research firm, an official from the Silicon Valley offices of General Motors, and someone from an industry association of some sort. From the story:

They were on a panel moderated by Buzz Knight of Greater Media, and they talked about the direction of in-car experiences, the digital dashboard, and what will be coming next to the dash of the car -- apps, Internet radio and audio in the car, and other things we knew were on the way. Then, suddenly, this statement was heard:

"AM and FM are being eliminated from the dash of two car companies within two years and will be eliminated from the dash of all cars within five years."

Gulp. Really? Did someone really just say that?

Emphasis mine up there. Count me surprised as well. Like I said, conventional wisdom says that the increased variety of sources for music and news in cars (many of which are superior to traditional radio) can totally be recognized as a threat to AM and FM. But within five years? That sounds awfully fast.

Probing further, Rhoads finds that GM doesn't believe young people listen to traditional radio, but he wasn't able to determine which two car companies won't have in-dash radio anymore. He wonders what kind of research the car companies are going on to come up with this philosophy. I'd love to know who the panelists were that made these claims, and who these car companies are that will supposedly be dropping radio.

Source: http://jalopnik.com

No radio measurement? No worries, here's what to do... By Saloni Surti

While measurement on radio continues to remain an unsolved riddle, broadcasters work hard around it to give advertisers some clarity that definite numbers would offer. Absence of measurement creates problems not only for advertisers – who find it very difficult to measure a radio campaign's RoI – but also broadcasters who might have to face blind spots in determining effectiveness of a campaign or the weightage of a spot.

The magic of numbers can't be replaced by anything else; however, exchange4media takes a look at how advertisers and broadcasters can make the best of radio in the absence of measurement.

"While we have limitations in measuring the output of the communication due to limited markets, nothing stops us from measuring the outcome of the communication. Let's go back to basics," said Vidyadhar Kale, GM, Maxus Mumbai.

The absence of numbers does not stop advertisers and broadcasters from getting feedback from listeners in the form of calls, SMS, Facebook likes, Tweets and redemption visits. Advertisers can also resort to primary research.

Broadcasters can look at case studies wherein a particular brand or a brand of the same category connected to its TG through radio and develop benchmark or guidelines for the response. "It will also be handy in deciding the weight for the radio campaign such as # spots, day parts, etc. as well as form of the communication such as commercial spot, RJ mention and other creative elements," added Kale.

Play off the strengths
No matter how glossy and glamorous services print, television, outdoor and digital can offer, there are a few element available only on radio. Banking on the strength of the medium will help advertisers play safe.

Radio not only enables advertisers to target narrowly but also complements other media such as television, thus creating immense recall value for the TG. Also, radio is the only talking interactive medium, which gives it a very strong identity of people's voice.

Commenting on the strength of radio, Bino Isaac, Vice President, Lintas Media said, "If any advertiser has to create a local connect or any promotional campaign in specific market, then radio is used. Radio is still a localised medium that can give you immediate results, if used properly."

Thus, use the medium for what it is known for and assign it a role with a focussed objective.

Strong content and smart packaging
Every campaign and every property created for radio might not be measureable. Strong and smartly packaged content can function as the safe card for advertisers and broadcasters for it might be able to communicate with the listeners from various points.

"Looking at the nature of the medium, channels must focus on how well they can connect with the audience and amplify its effect by integrating the advertising message with the content. It's the creativity of the message that will differentiate radio from rest of the media," added Isaac.

Radio has grown way beyond the traditional terrestrial station. Broadcasters now have digital and mobile presence, enabling them to offer 360-degree campaigns to advertisers. Radio players also have the option of creating activations and other BTL activities to offer a complete package. Thus, integrated content that conveys the brand's message effectively and relevantly through every touch-point will help advertisers create efficient communication that will click with the listeners.

Absence of measurement should not be a reason to hold advertisers back from investing in radio. Smart use of resources and an inbuilt metrics (by broadcasters and advertisers) can help marketers utilise radio to its best.

Source: exchange4media.com

IGNOU launches FM radio

A dedicated FM radio station of the Madurai Regional Centre of Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has started broadcasting educational programmes from Friday.

Gyan Vani, the radio network, has well-equipped recording studios and will cover a field of 80 km from Madurai. The radio channel frequency is 105.6 MHz.

S. Mohanan, Regional Director, IGNOU, said that the university had a 24-hour television channel, 'Gyan Darshan,' and a web resource facility, e-Gyankosh. It was also reaching out to defence personnel through Gyandeep. The Madurai station will broadcast programmes from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., and 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. every day. "Now, we are broadcasting recorded programmes. Live programmes with the participation of subject experts, and student interactive sessions will be broadcast soon," Dr. Mohanan said.

On the inaugural day, a programme was broadcast about IGNOU, the need for e-communication, and the uses of technology. This is the third FM radio station for the Madurai Regional Centre which covers 17 districts in the southern and western parts of the State with a cumulative student strength of 28,750.

While the radio network in Tiruchi and Coimbatore were started in collaboration with Bharatidasan University and Bharathiar University respectively, the FM station in Madurai has been set up independently by IGNOU. The Regional Director said that a communication would be sent to Principals, subject experts and Education Department officials to participate in the programmes as individuals or in groups. Those who are interested can contact Dr.Mohanan on 0452 2380733 or 2370733.

Source: The Hindu 16/3

I&B ministry's community radio consultation on March 19

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MoIB) has

organized a regional consultation on Community Radio (CR) in Ahmedabad in
collaboration with OneWorld Foundation India from Tuesday, 19th March.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/ahmedabad/IB-ministrys-community-radio-consultation-on-March-19/articleshow/19010945.cms

[Alokesh Gupta Via dx_india YG]

DRM to host first large scale Digital Radio Seminar for the Press in New Delhi

 The Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) Consortium is to hold a seminar in New

Delhi on March 14th 2013 aimed at raising awareness of All India Radio's
digitisation plans. The event will be opened by Mr. Yogendra Pal, Honorary
Chairman of the DRM India Chapter and Mr Sanjay Das, Senior Vice President
at Media Mughals.

Amongst the day's activities, All India Radio Engineer-in-Chief, Mr
V.K.Singla will outline the AIR roll-out schedule and senior members of the
DRM Consortium will deliver short presentations on the benefits of the DRM
radio standard, for listeners, broadcasters and the Indian radio industry.
The speakers will also explain the business and marketing opportunities
related to the digitisation of radio in India, encouraging the invited
audience from across the media, to communicate key messages to the Indian
population in a bid to prepare for the future digitisation.

The new DRM digital radio technology will provide Indian listeners across
the country access to more content choice with improved sound quality, as
well as access to digital features such as text news, sports results and
automatic disaster warning in multiple languages.

DRM Chair, Ruxandra Obreja said:  "As the digital roll out is starting to
gather pace, the DRM consortium, All India Radio and Media Mughals want to
bring the message about the digital advantages to listeners, the need for a
transition timetable and the engagement of the broadcast and telecom
manufacturing industries".

Digital Radio Mondiale Workshop for the Indian Press
Thursday 14th March 2013 at

Lecture Room 1
India International Centre Annexe,
40, Lodi Estate, New Delhi 110003

14.30 - 17.00 Hrs

If you are from press and would like to attend contact me off the list at
alokeshgupta@gmail.com or at 9818449395

[Alokesh Gupta, New Delhi, Via DX India YG]

Aamir Khan's old radio traced in Chor Bazaar

Aamir Khan carries a radio in the film P.K. which apparently was sourced though Chor Bazaar.

There are various pictures doing the rounds ofAamir Khan in the ghagra or the tight shirt from the sets of P.K. However no-one has been able to identify Aamir Khan's character in the film. Aamir has strangely also been spotted carrying a radio.
The radio is of olden times and, if sources are to be believed, has an important part in the film. It has almost become like a character, in a sense, and has created curiosity among the audiences. Sources close to the film say, "Aamir had seen this radio in olden times and was very keen to have it. He vaguely described it as one of the oldest radio which was launched."
The production team had a hard time sourcing this radio. They researched and asked a lot of people and finally managed to spot it at Chor Bazaar. This was the closest radio they found to what Aamir had described.
We wonder what is the secret plot behind the radio?
More story on http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com
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Jaisakthivel, ADXC, Tirunelveli, India

Govt to conduct Phase III FM radio auction in 2013: I&B Ministry

A high-powered ministerial panel has cleared the way for Information and Broadcasting Ministry to conduct auction of FM radio licences in Phase III for 839 channels, which will be completed this year.

"EGoM, on Wednesday, cleared the proposal sent by I&B ministry for some changes in the RFP (Request for Proposal) for auction of FM radio in phase III and we will issue auction guidelines soon," I&B Secretary Uday Kumar Varma told reporters here on the sidelines of CASBAA India Forum 2013.
An Empowered Group of Ministers (EGoM) on spectrum headed by Finance Minister P Chidambaram had met yesterday on issues related to spectrum auction among other things.
"We should be able to complete the auction of all the 839 radio stations this year," Mr Varma said.
The clearance will help in setting up of 839 new radio stations in the country and will help the government garner revenues to the tune of Rs 1,500 crore, he added. 
More on...http://www.thehindu.com

Florida Ham Issued $25000 Fine for Operating an Unlicensed Radio Transmitter ...

On March 1, the FCC issued a Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture (NAL) in the amount of $25,000 to Terry L. VanVolkenburg, KC5RF, of Cocoa, Florida. The FCC alleged that VanVolkenburg "apparently willfully and repeatedly violated Sections 301 and 333 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended…, by operating a radio transmitter without a license on…465.300 MHz and for interfering with licensed communications." VanVolkenburg holds an Advanced class license.

In September 2012, FCC agents in the Tampa Office received a complaint of radio interference from the Brevard County Sheriff's Department. The Sheriff's Department -- licensee of call sign WQCW384 -- utilizes a wireless radio communications system in the county jail in Sharpes, Florida. According to the complaint, the Sheriff's Department experienced intermittent interference to its radio communications in the jail on the frequency 456.300 MHz on at least 14 days during September and October 2012. According to the NAL, audio recordings taken by the Sheriff's Department suggest "that a male individual interfered with the prison's communications by transmitting vulgar language, sound effects, previously recorded prison communications and threats to prison officials over the prison's communications system."

On October 28, the agents used direction finding techniques and traced the source of the interfering radio frequency transmissions on 465.300 MHz to a residence in Cocoa, Florida. The frequency 465.300 MHz is allocated to public safety stations; as an Advanced class licensee, VanVolkenburg does not hold privileges to operate in this portion of the spectrum. In addition, the FCC's records showed that no authorization was issued to anyone to operate a private land mobile station at this location.

"Approximately two hours after locating the source of the transmissions, agents from the Tampa Office inspected the radio stations in Mr VanVolkenburg's residence," the FCC noted. "The agents recognized Mr VanVolkenburg's voice as the one interfering with the prison's communications system. Mr VanVolkenburg initially showed the agents an Amateur Radio [that was] incapable of transmitting on 465.300 MHz, but eventually produced an Alinco DJ-C5 portable radio transceiver that could operate on 465.300 MHz."

According to the NAL, VanVolkenburg "did not specifically admit that he had interfered with the prison's communications system, but when asked about the transmissions on 465.300 MHz and the interference to the prison's communications systems, he stated that he chose 465.300 MHz because the prison's transmissions on that frequency were strong; that he was only using 300 mW and did not think that he 'could talk over anyone and therefore wasn't interfering with anyone'; and that the interference would not happen again."

Although VanVolkenburg holds an Amateur Radio license, it does not authorize him to operate on public safety frequencies. "Part 15 of the Commission's rules sets out the conditions and technical requirements under which certain radio transmission devices may be used without a license," the FCC explained in the NAL. "In relevant part, Section 15.209 of the rules provides that non-licensed transmissions in the 216-960 MHz band is permitted only if the field strength of the transmission does not exceed 200 μV/m at 3 meters. The agents observed the transmissions on 465.300 MHz at a distance of approximately 2 miles from VanVolkenburg's residence. Given the distance from the source, the agents determined that the transmissions' field strength exceeded allowable Part 15 levels."

Read more on: http://www.arrl.org/news/florida-ham-issued-25-000-fine-for-operating-an-unlicensed-radio-transmitter-and-interfering-with-li

 

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Jaisakthivel, ADXC, Tirunelveli, India

Turn Facebook friends into a radio station with EQuala

Using EQuala, you can create a personalized radio station based on the music your Facebook friends have been listening to, and control how much influence each person has over the tunes you hear. As a publication that tracks the crowded digital music ecosystem, we know all too well the simple act of choosing what to use for music each day can be as daunting as it is enjoyable. Each new day brings a new set of music products and services. Luckily, many of them do something new, and ListnPlay's EQuala (iOS and Android; free) is one of these, thankfully. We've seen apps that help you discover and listen to your friends' favorite music before, but EQuala goes an extra step with a personalized Internet radio station that is based directly on what your friends are (or have been) listening to -- and giving you control over which friends are included, and how much influence they have. This lets you weed out the duds.

Then, it's time to build your radio station out of Facebook friends and/or EQuala users. To ascertain whether a friend is worthy of your station, click on any person in your search results to see what songs they've listened to recently on any Facebook-connected music service (which is most of them). Once you've (literally) populated your station, visit the EQualizer to customize it -- or, as ListnPlay would have it, "equalize your friends" in order to "commusicate." You'll see each chosen friend on his or her own sliding scale (see screenshot). You can adjust them left or right to determine how much influence they'll have on your station. If you like someone's taste in music, but only in smaller doses, simply slide them lower on the scale. When you're happy with your adjustments, hit play and enjoy. You can always add and delete friends from the EQualizer later.

Just as your friends are a source of music for you, you are also a source of music for them. They'll see what you listen to in any Facebook-connected music service, but you can also insert a song into your friends' stream by giving it a "shout out." Each shout out gets compiled into your music "DNA" profile -- the same one that can give you a percentage score for how similar you are to any Facebook or Equala friend, in terms of the music you listen to.

"EQuala revives the idea of listening to music with your friends, as opposed to the isolated listening experience of yet another content-based playlist," EQuala co-founder and CEO Lior Aharoni told Evolver.fm. "EQuala gives music a truly social context, as songs are connected to specific people, who leave footprints that embody their own taste." In our time so far with EQuala, we've found that it does provide a neat social context for music, and a neat new way to listen. The app makes it so easy to get the music playing; add and delete friends; and adjust their influence, that we found ourselves experimenting with our station a great deal.

Source: Aarti Kelapure Via http://howto.cnet.com

Govt to announce free news for FM radio in 2014

With the budget bringing in hope for FM Phase III auctions, the government seems to be working around the clock to ensure further betterment of the medium.  With repeated requests and plea from private FM radio operators, the government has agreed and is set to announce free news by 2014.

Monitoring of content was one of the major reasons to restrict FM radio stations from broadcasting news. But considering the need of radio stations to air news, government has decided to work jointly with the Association of Radio Operators for India (AROI) and Broadcast Engineering Consultant India Limited (BECIL) to set up national monitoring service and self-regulation model to enable FM stations to broadcast their own news.

Confirming the news with Radioandmusic.com, AROI secretary general Uday Chawla says, "India is the only free democratic country across the globe where there is no free news, so the government is working towards announcing that soon. Right now, the news being attained from AIR is a temporary step and by 2014 we should be able to set up the systems to monitor the content."

While the BECIL is working on setting up the technical systems for the monitoring service, AROI is currently in talks to form the regulatory model which should be ready by March. As per sources, the government has allocated huge budget for the entire project.

BECIL chairman K Subramanian says, "BECIL will install the monitoring service systems. The project is in pre-mature stage as the government procedures take time."

The move will allow broadcasters, some of which are already owned by bigger standalone companies, to easily create their own content from various news agencies present. This will in turn also increase tie-ups further signaling newer revenue earning streams for the stations. As per sources, the content to be aired will be monitored very closely.

"Presently, a lot of meetings are happening to work on a self-regulation model for the news broadcast by the players. While the technical systems should be ready in few months, we will try and finish the model by March," Chawla adds.

If all falls in place, 2014 will be a phenomenal year for players as FM phase III expansion policy will also come into play. Read more on  radioandmusic.com

Source: .Chandni Mathur Via radioandmusic.com 4/3.

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Jaisakthivel, ADXC, Tiruncelveli, India

Call for Suggestions for the Expert Committee on Prasar Bharati

The Government of India has set up an Expert Committee under the

chairpersonship of Mr Sam Pitroda to review the functioning of Prasar
Bharati. The committee's terms of reference include sustaining,
strengthening and amplification of Prasar Bharati's role as a public
broadcaster, with a special reference to its relationship with Government,
in the emerging context; a review of the status of implementation of
recommendations made by various committees that have undertaken the study
of Prasar Bharati, and suggesting a roadmap for enhancing Prasar Bharati's
reach and potential; digitisation of the archival material in the
possession of Doordarshan and All India Radio, including material from the
Independence Movement era, and the development of enabling infrastructure;
use of new media to deliver digital content; ensuring a wider reach to a
worldwide audience; and any other statutory issue. The committee has
decided to study all relevant areas related to Prasar Bharati, viz., the
Prasar Bharati-Government relationship, technology, business development,
finance, HR & organisation, content & programming, archiving, presence on
social and other new & emerging media platforms, global initiatives,
regulatory mechanism, and comparison with other public service broadcasters.

The committee has invited views/suggestions from the public on its terms of
reference, including in relation to the areas mentioned above. Accordingly,
all interested persons and organisations are requested to send their
views/suggestion by 14th April 2013 at

Online Form - http://www.prasarbharaticommittee.in/feedback

or via post addressed to
PRASAR BHARATI COMMITTEE SECRETARIAT
2nd Floor, PTI Building Sansad Marg, New Delhi-110001

http://www.prasarbharaticommittee.in/call-for-suggestions

[Alokesh Gupta, New Delhi]

Prasar Bharati gets Rs 2,180 cr as grants-in-aid

National broadcaster Prasar Bharati was today allocated a sum of Rs 2,180 crore as grants-in-aid under the annual budget for 2013-14, which is a 26 per cent increase over the amount received in the previous fiscal.

As per the revised estimates for fiscal 2012-13, Rs 1,729 crore had been granted to Prasar Bharati. Apart from the Rs 2,180 crore as grants-in-aid, Prasar Bharati has also been allocated another Rs 200 crore under the head of Investment in Public Enterprise.

The ministry's budget has also increased by nearly 12.6 per cent from the Rs 2,693 crore in the Revised estimates for 2012-13 to Rs 3,035 crore for 2013-14.

The grants-in-aid to Prasar Bharati form the largest component in the allocation that Finance Minister P Chidambaram has given to the Information and Broadcasting Ministry. Of the amount allocated to the I&B Ministry, Rs 2,130 crore is under Non-Plan category while Rs 905 crore falls under Plan category.

From the amount allocated to the I&B Ministry, Rs 239 crore has been allotted for Advertising and Visual Publicity for 2013—14 which is again a strong increase compared to the previous year's revised estimate of Rs 158.42 crore. Among other allocations are Rs 117 crore for Films and Rs 61 crore for Press Information Services.

I&B Minister Manish Tewari had been one of the first leaders to express satisfaction with the annual budget.

Tewari's reaction came on social networking site Twitter where he posted, "The three P's of FM's budget — prudent, productive & progressive. It would boost growth and augment equity — UPA's guiding philosophy."

Source: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/