Modi govt wants to set up 'BBC-like' channel to improve its reputation

Ground Report | New Delhi: The Modi government’s state-owned broadcaster Doordarshan is set to establish a new channel, DD International, on the lines of BBC World. Government agency Prasar Bharti last week issued a tender notice inviting private companies to submit a detailed project report ‘to set up DD International’. In order to take India’s position to the international level. It has been decided to set up a BBC-style DD International so that India’s ‘credible, comprehensive and real’ image can be projected to the world.

The aim is to present a credible, comprehensive and realistic image

The decision comes at a time when the Modi government are facing criticism from international broadcasters. For failing to properly deal with the Corona epidemic and failing to take significant steps to prevent its spread. However, Prasar Bharati officials said that decision to launch the TV channel was not taken suddenly. But the proposal had been under consideration for some time.

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A. Surya Prakash, a former chairman of Prasar Bharati said that it was time for India to join other countries in the field of media. This is possible only if India has its own international media arm. And its bureau and its correspondents are present in other parts of the world. ‘As the BBC, CNN or DW report on India, it is important that we cover events around the world,’ Prakash said.

As chairman of Prasar Bharati, Surya Prakash headed the committee which submitted a detailed report to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting seeking India’s response to the ‘biased attitude of the foreign press’. He said, ‘I welcome the decision of the government (to create DD International). India should have a high quality media platform that can not only present India’s voice globally but also in the world. He was also able to take a critical look at what was happening and inform the Indian audience about what was happening in other parts of the world. ‘

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New channel format

Talking to media about the establishment of DD International, Shashi Shekhar Vampati, CEO, Prasar Bharati, said, “This is something that has been needed for a long time. We want the vision to be seen internationally as well. ‘

Shashi Shekhar termed the decision as a ‘blessing for all’ and said that the true nature of the channel and how much it would cost would be known only after a complete outline was prepared. However, he said, ‘It will look a lot like the BBC or Al Jazeera. Initially, there will be more emphasis on news like the BBC World Service, but later it will be expanded as the world is also more interested in Indian culture.”

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