Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Guardian of India’s Broadcasting Industry, Says Anurag Thakur

Addressing the audience during the inaugural session, the Minister underscored the Ministry’s commitment to steering India’s broadcasting industry through a landscape of change with wisdom and foresight.

Thakur highlighted the Ministry’s role in promoting public service broadcasting, inclusive policy design, media literacy initiatives, and fostering private participation, which has laid the foundation for a vibrant, inclusive, and resilient broadcasting and media ecosystem in India.

Emphasizing the importance of strengthening Public Service Broadcasting to cater to India’s diverse needs, the Minister called for carving a unique path while recognizing the country’s rich cultural heritage. He praised Prasar Bharati for its pivotal role in shaping the national narrative, spanning from the era of Doordarshan’s black-and-white screens to the dynamic digital landscape of today.

Thakur acknowledged the challenges and opportunities presented by technological advancements, stressing the need for high-quality, personalized content across multiple platforms. He advocated for indigenous R&D, nurturing scientific talent, and fostering industry-academia partnerships to achieve self-reliance in broadcasting.

Highlighting the potential of New Direct to Mobile (D2M) technologies, the Minister urged exploration of innovative broadcasting options like Next Gen broadcasting for wider societal reach and enhanced user experience, even without internet connectivity.

Addressing concerns about data security, Shri Thakur underscored India’s commitment to safeguarding data privacy and aligning with global data protection regulations. He emphasized the importance of environmental sustainability in broadcasting operations, noting India’s leadership in solar-powered equipment and energy-efficient studios.

Recognizing the evolving media landscape with the rise of OTT platforms, the Minister stressed the need for rapid evolution in content creation strategies and regulatory frameworks to remain relevant.

However, Thakur cautioned that content regulation requires careful consideration to strike a balance between freedom of expression and upholding societal values.

The BES Expo, according to the Minister, serves as a crucial platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and partnership building to shape the future of the broadcasting industry.

During the event, Secretary of the Ministry of I&B, Sanjay Jaju, highlighted the Ministry’s efforts towards consumer protection and media transparency with the draft broadcast services (Regulation) Bill 2023.

Chairman of TRAI, Anil Kumar Lahoti, emphasized the vast potential for growth in the broadcasting sector, while CEO of Prasar Bharati, Shri Gaurav Dwivedi, highlighted the evolving media consumption landscape and the importance of preserving spectrum for public service broadcasting.

President of BES, Sunil, addressed the challenges faced by the media due to evolving technologies like D2M.

The conference provides a platform for stakeholders to address the evolving landscape of broadcasting and media technology, fostering collaboration and innovation to meet the demands of a dynamic industry.