In what could be termed as a major setback to private producers, Prasar Bharati Corporation has decided not to outsource prime-time programmes on DD News.
The move is expected to affect BAG Telefilms and TV Live which have 30-minute prime-time slots on DD News. The decision, which was taken earlier this week, will be applicable from April 30, 2004 and would result in the two programmes going off the air.
The entire programmes for the prime-time slot of DD News will now be produced as well as marketed by in-house teams of Prasar Bharati. Prime time on DD News spans from 6:30 PM to 11:30 PM.
Prasar Bharati officials were of the opinion that the in-house team of the state-owned broadcaster has the capability to market as well as produce programs.
"Hence, there is no need to give the slot to other sponsored programmess made by producers from outside," said an official.
"Some of the outsourced programmes were not meeting the purpose of the whole exercise. For example, in the present format, news which was produced in house, was coming after the news analysis programme which was outsourced. It was not meeting the whole purpose of the exercise," said a Prasar Bharati source.
"Our contract with Prasar Bharati comes to an end on April 30, 2004. We have requested for an alternate slot. It is the prerogative of the channel owners to shift programme slots," said Nalini Singh, head, TV Live, which produces Ankho Dekhi.
On the future of the outsourced programmes on the channel, Prasar Bharati executives said, "We are looking at restructuring the programme schedule. We will take call on the new slots for outsourced programmes soon."
Prime time slots were outsourced by Prasar Bharati for Rs 10,000 for a half an hour slot. In case of outsourced programmes, the production as well as marketing of the programming has to be done by the producer.
© 2025