Digitalization of PTV, expansion of cable TV network, launch of DTH service mass media targets
ISLAMABAD, Jun 12
(APP):The government’s initiatives for next financial year 2020-21 include
digitalization of terrestrial network of Pakistan Television Corporation
(PTVC), and expansion of cable TV network to rural and far flung areas, Direct
to Home Television (DTH) and Over the Top (OTT) Media platforms which deliver
film and TV content through Internet.
Annual Development Plan during COVID-19 pandemic, the role of media has
increased manifold as It will form evidence based and professional opinion
during this crisis, said a budget document issued here on Friday.
As per he document , an amount of Rs 440.51 million was earmarked to four
ongoing and two new projects of Information & Broadcasting Division in PSDP
2019-20 for improving production, transmission, quality of audio and video
signals and increasing the coverage area.
The utilization is expected to be Rs 356.03 million by June, 2020.
For PTV an allocation of Rs 284.48 million was made out of which Rs 200 million
are expected to be utilized whereas for Radio Pakistan an allocation Rs 156.03
million had been done which is likely to be utilized by the end of the fiscal
year.
As per details, an amount of Rs284.48 million was allocated for one ongoing and
one new project of PTVC during 2019-20 out of which Rs 200 million have been released
and are expected to be utilized fully by June, 2020. Work on the project titled
“Moderation of Cameras and Production Equipment of PTV” will remain in progress
during financial year 2020-21. The project is for modernization and upgradation
of system from SD to HD which will provide better quality video, audio and
programmes to viewers.
As per Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) statistics, there
7 PTV Stations are operational in the country. There are 110 TV Transmitters,
33 Radio Stations (Public), 57 FM Transmitters (Public), 234 F.M Radio Licenses
(Private) and 4060 Cable T.V. Licenses issued.
Total TV viewership (Terrestrial, Cable & Satellite) stands at about 144
million, with total Cable & Satellite viewership about 96 million,
Total Terrestrial viewership 48 million, Number of Satellite TV Channels
(Local) are whereas 88 landing rights permissions channels number is 35.
As per Annual Development Plan an amount of Rs156.030 million was earmarked
during 2019-20 for three ongoing and one new project of PBC which is expected
to be utilized fully by June, 2020.
The project titled “Up-gradation of Radio Station Multan under ODA Programme of
South Korea” is in final stage and expected to be completed by May, 2020. The
other two projects titled “Rehabilitation of Medium Wave Service from
Muzaffarabad (AJK)” and “Replacement of Medium Wave Transmitter at Mirpur” are
in process of tendering for procurement of broadcasting equipment and the
amount will be utilized after delivery of equipment which is expected by June,
2020. These projects are for extending Radio Pakistan signals to Middle East,
South Asia, South East Asia and Far East.
Work on the project titled “100 KW MW Transmitter at Gwadar” is in progress and
20 percent physical while 46 percent financial progress has been achieved.
After completion this project will extend radio coverage in strategic areas of
south east BalOchistan, coastal areas, CPEC route and shipping vessels in
Arabian Sea.
Newspaper: APP