New Delhi. The Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Smt Ambika Soni inaugurated the 16th International BES EXPO 2010 in New Delhi today. Acknowledging that technology is clearly a growth driver for many an innovations in Broadcast sector, the Minister urged the Broadcasters to ensure that fruits of new technology actually reach the consumer. Smt Soni said that it is the endeavour of her Ministry to ensure that policy framework and business models are in sync to cater to the consumer interest. “We are guided by the thought that technology neutral approach to policies is the appropriate way. Convergence in technology has to fast become a reality” the Minister said. Broadcast engineers must play a crucial role in guiding the best possible options in the carriage of the content to the public, she added.

The Minister emphasized that the Government is committed to technological improvement/digitalization of the DD network to improve the viewing experience. As the official Broadcaster for telecast of the Commonwealth Games 2010, the High Definition Television is in place, the Minister said. She added that Digitalization of the Broadcasting Services of Doordarshan/All India Radio and Cable Services, is one of the key thrust areas identified by the Ministry because of the “advantages digital mode offers in terms of efficient utilization of available spectrum, better quality of picture and services, various interactive and niche services and transparency above all.” Smt Soni noted that the trend worldwide has been to fix sunset dates for complete switch off of analog services. “While India as yet has not declared any sunset date for complete migration, it is now being increasingly felt that by 2017 we should also aim for complete switchover”, the Minister stated.

The Minister also announced that serious thought is being given to devise suitable policies for Mobile television. “With a view to incentivize the introduction of FM radio services in the North Eastern States, Jammu and Kashmir and island territories and to further liberalize the regulatory framework to provide for greater diversity of content and bring down operational costs, the Government is in the process of finalizing the FM Phase-III policy soon”, the Minister said. The Ministry also hopes to set up around 4000 Community Radio Stations in next three years the Minister announced.

Distributing the annual BES Awards for Best Technological innovations, Smt Soni called upon the broadcasting industry to contribute not just in statistical figures for the economy but also contribute to a healthy socio-cultural growth of the society as a whole.

The 3 day international Expo and Conference proposes to discuss topical issues such as ‘innovative technologies for coverage of Commonwealth Games, HDTV and beyond; New technologies for Digital TV and Radio; Frequency Spectrum related issues under the theme of ‘Broadcast regulatory Issues’.