The ministry of information and broadcasting has earmarked Rs256.85 crore for revamping the television channels in the North eastern states. The revamp package includes setting up of software production facilities, launch of two satellite channels, setting up of a high-power transmitter at Kokrajar, provision of DTH receiver units and 25,000 television sets in the media dark areas in the region. It will also involve setting up of two maintenance centres at Agartala and Passighat.
In a two-day meet beginning July 13 in Guwahati, the Information & Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni will lay down the roadmap for changes in the media sector in the North east. To be attended by the chief ministers and other representatives of the North eastern states and members of different media units, the meet will address infrastructure and logistical issues under which media in the region operate. The move is aimed at creating greater synergy between communication and local culture.
The ministry also plans to make it mandatory that 35% of all display advertisements be given to small and medium newspapers in the region including those in Bodo, Manipuri, Mizo, Khasi and other tribal languages certified by state governments.
After the auction for FM radio frquencies for Phase III to be held shortly, the I&B ministry expects radio to reach out to over 20 cities in the region up from just 10 radio channels in four cities.
