Question : DISCONTINUATION OF REGIONAL TRANSMISSION

(a)whether attention of the Government has been drawn to the news-item captioned, `Chhote Nirmataon Ko Bahar Kar Raha Hai Doordarshan` appearing in the Rashtriya Sahara dated December 18, 1999;

(b)if so, the facts of the matter reported therein;

(c)whether Doordarshan has discontinued 30 seconds` backing slotted for DD-I provided to the producers for producing programmes for international channel;

(d)if so, the reasons therefor;

(e)whether the regional transmission between 7.30 to 8.30 p.m. in the evening from Delhi, Jaipur, Bhopal and Patna centres have also been discontinued by the Doordarshan; and

(f)if so, the reasons therefore?

THE MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING AND MINISTER OF STATE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF DISINVESTMENT
(SHRI ARUN JAITLEY)


(a): Yes, Sir.

(b): It has been reported in the said news item that Doordarshan has recently discontinued the banking facility which was earlier available to producers sponsoring programmes on DD- International Channel. It has further been stated that the regional transmission between 7.30 and 8.30 p.m. from Delhi, Jaipur, Bhopal and Patna Kendras has been discontinued. These steps, it has been contended, have adversely affected the small producers.

(c) & (d): Prasar Bhararti have intimated that banking facility has been discontinued as it was adversely affecting the revenue earnings of Doordarshan.

(e) & (f): It has been intimated by Prasar Bharati that with a view to enlarge viewership and improve the quality of production and giving uniform slick look to Doordarshan programmes, the time slot from 7.30 to 8.00 p.m. has been taken for centralized programming while time slot from 8.00 to 8.30 p.m. has been given to the National News.