India has the largest terrestrial Television network
in the world and it is available throughout the country. Broadcasting is a central government monopoly under the Ministry
of Information and Broadcasting, but the only network system, Doordarshan, also known as TV1, accepts advertisements for some
programs. . The service was started on 15th September 1959 to transmit educational and developmental programs on an experimental
basis with half an-hour programming. Even though Doordarshan, established in 1959 and a part of All India Radio
until 1976, consists of one national network and seven regional networks. Doordarshan is always to kept the communication
strategy of information, education and entertainment with its diversity of programs.
Indian television channel Doordarshan offers national, regional, and local service for Indian television viewers.
As on 31st May 2002, Doordarshan has 1314 transmitters (1188 for DD 1 + 121 for DD 2 + 5 others) with 56 studio centers
and 23 satellite channels (which includes Gyandarshan).
TV channels are playing a great role in the cultural
and linguistic development. So the private channel came to the scene with satellite transmission. India is always good “customer”
most of the leading broadcasting centers of the world. Other networks joining
the fray are Cable News Network (CNN--starting in 1990); Asia Television Network (1991); Hong Kong-based Star TV (1991); Jain
TV, near Bombay (1994); EL TV, a spin off of Zee TV in Bombay (1994); HTV, an affiliate of the Hindustan Times in New Delhi
(1994); and Sun TV, a Tamil-language service in Madras (1994)
Doordharsan starts Direct-to-Home (DTH) system which
allows around 40 channels can reach each house with out any cable network, by the end of this month. Central Information Minister
S. Jaypaal Reddy announced it in Calcutta. Direct-to-Home (DTH) satellite television is becoming a buzzword in the satellite
broadcast industry due to the fact that DTH offers immense opportunities to both broadcasters and viewers. Thanks to the rapid
development of digital technology, DTH broadcast operators worldwide have been able to introduce a large number of new interactive
applications in the television market besides a large number of entertainment programs over a single delivery platform. In
addition, since digital technology permits a highly efficient exploitation of the frequency spectrum, the number of TV channels
that can be broadcast using digital technology is significantly higher than with analogue technology.
With out any monthly revenue and Cable network
people can receive 40 channels through the DTH system which would be broadcasted free from the part of Doordharsan. DTH system
is accessible with a small Dish antenna and set top box which costs only Rs. 3500. Broadcasting multi channels through a Satellite
is the merit of DTH system. Avoiding the intermediary cable network operators is also a motive of this new system.
In general, DTH service is the one in which a large
number of channels are digitally compressed, encrypted and beamed from very high power satellites. The programmes can be directly
received at homes. This mode of reception facilitates the use of small receive dish antennas of 45 to 60 cm diameter installed
at convenient location in individual buildings without needing elaborate foundation /space etc. Also, DTH transmission eliminates
local cable operator completely, since an individual user is directly connected to the service providers. However, a digital
receiver is needed to receive the multiplexed signals and view them on a TV. DTH, in sharp contrast to Cable TV, lends itself
to easy monitoring and control.
Television has the magic power to influence the public so also to create public opinion.
Doordarshan has made a significant contribution to accelerate socio-economic change, promote national integration and
stimulate scientific temper. Unfortunatly the ruling gevernment’s interfierence is always reflects in the National Television.
Being a Public Service Broadcaster, it strives to carry messages in its programmes on means of population control and family
welfare, agricultural information and knowledge, preservation of environment and ecological balance, highlighting the need
for social welfare measures for women, children and the less priviledged. It also promotes games and sports, and the artistic
and cultural heritage of the country.
