(a) whether the Prasar Bharati has formulated cost effective strategies to extend Doordarshan coverage
to the remote and sparsely populated regions of the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the steps mooted by the Prasar Bharati to exploit advantages of terrestrial broadcasting and use of
local studio and programming personnel ?
THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION & BROADCASTING (SMT. SUSHMA SWARAJ)
(a) & (b): Doordarshan programmes are already available all over the country in satellite mode, and can be
received using appropriate dish antenna systems or through cable networks. Terrestrial relay of Doordarshan
currently covers about 88.9% of the country`s population. In order to spread the terrestrial coverage to more
areas, including the remote and sparsely populated areas of the country, Doordarshan is currently setting up
185 transmitters. A number of factors, such as area/population to be covered, costs involved, technological
requirements, infrastructure facilities etc., are taken into consideration at the time of deciding upon the location
and power of a transmitter..
(c): Between 2.30 PM and 8.00 PM, Doordarshan in its Primary network carries programmes from its Regional
Kendras. In the Regional Kendras, a large portion of the allotted time is devoted to in-house programmes, which
are produced with local participation.