MIB advises all DPOs/LCOs to provide LCN data of Mandatory channels to Prasar Bharati

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) on Wednesday directed all distribution platform operators (DPOs) and local cable operators (LCOs) to provide LCN data of Mandatory channels to the domestic distribution wing of Prasar Bharati or the staff of Prasar Bharati field establishment on a fortnightly basis.

The Ministry under the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 so far notified 25 Doordarshan channels, Sansad TV – SD, and Sansad TV – HD channels to be mandatorily carried on their cable television networks by every cable operator. The Ministry recently issued a Gazette notification to make amendments in section 8 of the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 to replace serial numbers 23 and 24 and the entries relating thereto with Sansad TV SD and Sansad TV HD. 

The Ministry subsequently issued an advisory on changing the names of the existing Lok Sabha Television Channel and Rajya Sabha Television Channel. 

“Whereas, in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-Section (1) of Section 8 of the Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, I 995, this Ministry has so far notified 25 Doordarshan Channels, Sansad TV – SD and Sansad TV – HD Channels that are to be mandatorily carried by every Cable Operator on their cable television networks.

And whereas, Prasar Bharati has been entrusted with the task of monitoring of carriage of these mandatory channels by Distribution Platform Operators(DPOs)/Local Cable Operators(LCOs) on their network.

And therefore, all DPOs/LCOs are advised to provide LCN data of Mandatory channels to Domestic Distribution wing of Prasar Bharati/ Staff of Prasar Bharati field establishment on fortnightly basis,” said MIB in its advisory.