(a) whether the Government is considering to expand the network of FM channels and to complete the digitization of TV channels and if so, the details thereof; and
(b) whether the Government has any plan for digitization of film archives for skill development of the media and entertainment sectors; and
(c) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE; MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING; AND MINISTER OF HEAVY INDUSTRIES AND PUBLIC ENTERPRISES
(SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR)
(a) Prasar Bharati is continuously expanding All India Radio (AIR) Network of FM Channels as per approved Central Sector Scheme. Projects for setting up of 140 new FM transmitters in various areas of the country have been approved. In addition to this, projects for providing of 5 nos. of mobile 5 kW FM Transmitters (3 in J&K and 2 in Ladakh) have also been approved.
In so far as digitalization of TV channels is concerned, Prasar Bharati is currently operating 36 Satellite DD channels. Transmission of all these channels is in digital mode. Further, Prasar Bharati is also operating “DD FreeDish”, a free-to-air DTH platform carrying various Satellite TV channels including DD channels, and Radio Channels of All India Radio apart from making available several TV and Radio services in Digital mode for live streaming and on-demand access through “NewsOnAir” App and through third party Internet Platforms.
(b) and (c) Yes, Sir. The National Film Heritage Mission (NFHM) implemented by the National Film Archive of India (NFAI), Pune was launched in 2014-15 for preservation, conservation, digitization and restoration of India’s rich filmic heritage and to safeguard this important legacy for posterity. NFAI has also set-up a ‘Digital Library’ in September 2019 for streaming of digital filmic content for the masses and cinephiles. The Digital Library has computer terminals with database from NFAI collection which includes digitized posters, song booklets, journals and magazines, etc.
******