NEW DELHI: CNN today announced the launch of an India-specific CNN Young Journalist Award to recognise quality journalism among young media professionals in the age group of 22 to 26 years from the electronic, print and online media.

The prizewinner will win a 14-day paid trip to Atlanta, CNN‘s headquarters, with the runners up spending a similar period at the CNN‘s Delhi bureau. The last date for sending in entries is 24 October.

"Indian media is witnessing great revolution and the award is a salute to young professionals who are working in this highly challenging world," CNN‘s Delhi bureau chief Satinder Bindra said today at a press conference to announce the award.

The panel of jury includes Doordarshan‘s DG S Y Quraishi, School of Convergence director Prannonjoy Guha Thakurta, Indian Institute of Mass Communication director B P Sanjay and Infotainment TV president Karan Thapar.

The details of the award can be had from the Turner India office or by logging on to www.cnnasiapacific.com/yja.

NEW DELHI: The Planning Commission, part of the Indian government, has suggested in its approach paper to the 10th five-year plan (2002-07) coverage of television and radio services to the remaining uncovered parts of the country, particularly in the north-eastern states, border/hilly terrain and sparsely populated areas must be taken up and should be part of the actionable points for the 10th Plan.
The information and broadcasting sector‘s outlay for the 10th plan period has been pegged at Rs 51.3 billion.

The plan paper also says that digitalisation of broadcasting equipment and automation of production and transmission facilities besides replacement and completion of continuing schemes undertaken during the 9th Plan should be undertaken.

Interestingly it has been pointed out by the Plan panel that since expansion of coverage by terrestrial network for the uncovered areas would be quite expensive, particularly in the sparsely populated areas, alternate cost effective technologies should be looked into - technology like digital distribution of TV and radio signals in KU-band, a frequency in which normally DTH television services work round the world.