Industry reacts as ib minister arun jaitley chairs 1st consultative committee meeting

1. Industry reacts as IB Minister Arun Jaitley chairs 1st Consultative Committee Meeting Written by Nov 12th, 2014 0 Comment Jaitley chaired the first meeting of the Consultative Committee of I&B Ministry to discuss the issue related to implementation of Phase III and Phase IV of the digitisation of cable TV sector during which he expressed his views. Focus on digitization Information and Broadcasting Minister Arun Jaitley emphasized on the importance of digitisation of the cable TV sector to ensure better service, wider choice of content and transparency within the subscriber base. The Minister, who also holds the charge of the Finance Ministry, said that as a process, digitisation had also brought about a change in the broadcasting landscape as well as enabled broadband penetration within the country. At the meeting which was also attended by Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, MoS for I&B, ministry officials made a presentation giving an overview of the digitisation process. The presentation highlighted the steps taken during Phase I and II and the proposed road map for Phase III and IV. Officials made specific reference to the initiatives undertaken by the Ministry including the discussions with stakeholders and the campaign to sensitise masses, a statement released here said. The Information and Broadcasting Ministry has been working to usher in complete digitisation in the cable TV sector across the country by December 31, 2016. Members of the Committee gave suggestions to ensure that the concerns of all stakeholders were addressed. It was emphasized that multi-system operators (MSOs) should operationalize grievance redressed mechanisms to address the concerns of cable subscribers, the statement said. It was also emphasized that the quality of domestically manufactured Set Top Boxes (STBs) must be ensured. The issue of digitisation plan of Doordarshan terrestrial network and the steps being taken to implement the process was also deliberated upon. It was also mentioned that the Ministry needed to take proactive steps to ensure timely registration of MSO applications so as to ensure the large presence of MSOs to implement the digitisation programme during Phase III and Phase IV.

2. During the discussions, emphasis was laid on the efforts being made by the Ministry to integrate the domestic production of set top boxes (STBs) with the ‘Make in India’ programme. Members were also informed that interactions were being held with the STB fraternity to ensure that they utilized their capacity to fulfil the demand for STBs during Phase III and Phase IV. Industry Expectations The MSOs have high expectations from Jaitley, especially when Phase III of digitisation is just around the corner. “We hope to have a better communication with MIB (Ministry of Information & Broadcasting),” expressed Tony D’Silva, MD and Group CEO, IMCl. “The IB Ministry did initiate a task force. Bu it has been a month and there has been no follow up activity in it.” D’Silva shared with IndianMediaBook that MSOs are still not satisfied with the license procedure. “The license procedure for MSOs and LMOs has to be relooked. When they need the license of a particular state, that state’s government has to be involved. They also should think about the time limit of granting the license,” D’Silva explained. While the government is focusing on homegrown Set Top Boxes (STBs), MSOs have a different take on it “If the Ministry expects us to take STBs from Indian manufacturers, they (manufacturers) should be able to give it to us at the same terms and conditions as the international STB suppliers,” pointed out D’Silva. International suppliers are known to offer STBs on credit with a good duration to clear the bills. Radio Players too, are not that far behind in terms of expectations from the industry. With Phase III e- auctions being on a hold for almost eight years now, private FM players most have just one plea. “We expect Mr. Jaitley to quickly complete the FM Phase III auctions process and the migration of Phase II licenses to new Phase III terms,” shared Prashant Panday, MD & CEO, ENIL (Radio Mirchi).

3. Panday expressed that players are still groping in the dark when it comes to the Phase III deadline. “I think it’s in a state of flux right now but we hope what Mr. Javadekar said a few days back – that auctions will be completed by February – holds true,” pointed out Panday. Harish Bhatia, CEO, My FM too echoed the same thoughts. “Radio is the only media that is available to consumers free of cost. It incurs just the onetime cost of mobile or any other device through which they shall consume radio content. It is high time the Ministry now processes the Phase III auctions.” Sunil Lulla, CMD, Grey Group India points out that while the current policy with the entire Media & Entertainment industry is doing well, the new Minister should make sure that it stays consistent. “The interaction that media has enjoyed with MIB should continue also media freedom that has been granted should not be jeopardized.” With Inputs from PTI