The double speak from the information and broadcasting (I&B) ministry continues. After announcing last week, that the government was throwing open the late night slot (between 10 and past midnight) on DD Metro to private players, I&B minister Sushma Swaraj today told the Rajya Sabha that the government has no plans to privatise the Prasar Bharati (the holding company for DD and All India Radio).

She added that the corporation was working on improving the functioning of All India Radio and DD with the aid of the latest technology and programme production techniques. Swaraj highlighted the fact tht the government was keen on installing four digital terrestrial transmitters in Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai and Calcutta during 2001. The Prasar Bharati still awaits the recommendations of the BBC consultancy division on what steps it should take to move towards digtial terrestrial transmission. It was to be submitted in September 2000 to it.