The Aryavarth Express
Agency(New Delhi): Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Shri Anurag Thakur, has inaugurated the 28th International Conference and Exhibition on Broadcast and Media Technology in New Delhi. The Minister lauded the Ministry’s role as the enduring protector of the broadcasting industry in India and commended Prasar Bharati’s transition into the digital age.
During his speech, Shri Thakur highlighted the Ministry’s initiatives, such as promoting public service broadcasting, formulating inclusive policies, and nurturing private sector involvement. He acknowledged India’s unique cultural heritage and the importance of content that reflects this diversity. The evolution from Doordarshan’s early black-and-white telecasts to 4K digital broadcasts was cited as an example of the broadcaster’s commitment to innovation and quality.
The Minister addressed the dual nature of technological advancement—its promise and its challenges. He underscored the surge in demand for high-quality, personalized content and the necessity to develop state-of-the-art broadcasting equipment. Shri Thakur called for indigenous R&D, fostering industry-academia partnerships, and exploring next-generation broadcasting to ensure a broader reach and an enhanced user experience.
A significant point of discussion by Shri Thakur was data security. In an era where digital infrastructure is paramount, he stressed the need for indigenous cybersecurity solutions and compliance with international data protection regulations. The Minister also spoke about sustainable practices in broadcasting, urging the industry to minimize its carbon footprint and embrace initiatives like the ABU’s “Green Broadcasting” project.
Recognizing the shift in audience preferences to OTT platforms, Shri Thakur urged for an adaptive approach in content creation, technology adoption, and regulatory frameworks. He emphasized the importance of balancing creative freedom with ethical content regulation.
The BES Expo was hailed as a vital platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and forging partnerships that will define the broadcasting industry’s trajectory. Shri Sanjay Jaju, Secretary of the Ministry of I&B, acknowledged the necessity of consumer protection and media transparency, referencing the draft broadcast services (Regulation) Bill 2023 for consultation.
Chairman of TRAI, Shri Anil Kumar Lahoti, spoke about the broadcasting sector’s growth potential, while Shri Gaurav Dwivedi, CEO of Prasar Bharati, emphasized the changing media consumption landscape and the consequent demand for quality content.
The conference brings together experts and stakeholders to discuss the broadcasting industry’s challenges and opportunities amidst technological advancements such as Direct to Mobile (D2M) and the need for spectrum preservation for public service broadcasting.