DD channels may be re-launched with more exclusive content

If the government accepts some of the recommendations, there could be more programmes like Satyamev Jayate and Saraswati Chandra, simultaneously telecast on Doordarshan and private channels

Channels of India's public telecaster - Doordarshan, DD News, DD International and DD Bharti - could be re-launched with more exclusive contents, while many more programmes like Satyamev Jayate and Saraswati Chandra could be seen simultaneously on DD along with other channels, if the government accepts the suggestions of a group on Prasar Bharati.

The group, which has been constituted as part of a wider committee on restructuring Prasar Bharati under the chairmanship of Sam Pitroda, adviser to the prime minister on information infrastructure and innovation, also suggested the government took a fresh look at DD Sports and its efficacy.

The final report of the committee is expected in the next two-three months.

According to some senior government officials, if the government accepts some of the recommendations, there could be more programmes like Satyamev Jayate and Saraswati Chandra, simultaneously telecast on Doordarshan and private channels. The group also suggested Doordarshan buy premium programmes such as films, cricket etc for exclusive marketing and not just rely on feeds from other broadcasters to create a new revenue stream.

"Today, there are some structural flaws in Prasar Bharati. With its diminishing reach, the corporation cannot be dependent on only advertising and government grants. Therefore, there is a need to separate Prasar Bharati and its commercial broadcasting activities and roles," a senior official, who was present at a recent meeting, said.

Both, Doordarshan and All India Radio fall within the ambit of the Prasar Bharati Corporation.