TRAI head stresses quality in content, broadcasting techniques

Renzu favours uniform application of cable tariffs in J&K

Chairman, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) Dr. J. S. Sharma has called for improving content quality, broadcasting techniques and management of cable service operators for smooth flow of communication.

Dr. Sharma was speaking during a meeting with cable operators and managers of cable channels of Srinagar, here today.

Principal Advisor, TRAI, Mr. N. Parmeshwaran, Director, Information, Khawaja Farooq Ahmad Renzu, Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar Mr. Mehraj Ahmad Kakroo, SSP, Srinagar, SSP, CID and Senior Post Master General and officers of Doordarshan were present in the meeting.

The Chairman said cable television networking has become an important tool of communication system and as such it must play a balanced role in transmission of programmes and projection of socio-economic issues. “Along with rights come obligations”, he said, while pinpointing to the sensitivities involved in transmitting news and other programmes in a state like J&K.

Spelling out the objectives of the meetings, Dr. Sharma said TRAI is eliciting views of cable operators and other stakeholders throughout the country before filing consultation papers, in compliance to the Supreme Court judgement regarding de-novo fixation of tariffs in India. He said quality of service regulation issued in February, 2009 by TRAI, has also to be ensured at the ground level.

The meeting held threadbare discussions on a host of issues including quality of cable services, tariffs, problems faced by channel managers and range of services.

Speaking on the occasion, Khawaja Farooq Ahmad Renzu stressed on balanced approach in dissemination of news bulletins. He pointed out that government is conscious of the fact that during last several years, cable and channel operators have not been able to ensure proper collection of their tariffs from the subscribers because of various problems in the valley. He said entire system of tariff collection by cable operators and uniform application of tariff in the whole state will be properly coordinated in consultation with channel operators, subscribers and prominent citizens so that economic interest of cable industry is safeguarded and rights of subscribers properly protected.

Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar highlighted the role of media in promotion of peace, progress and development. He said channels should restrain from making such editorial comments which foment trouble and trigger violence. Stating that right to freedom and expression, guaranteed under the Constitution is for social betterment and common good, he called for exercising this right with prudence and wisdom to promote peace and harmonious living in the State.

The channel representatives pointed out difficulties faced by them and also assured adherence to prescribed programme code.