MUMBAI: In view of the 31 October 2012 deadline for implementation of the first phase of digitisation in four metros, the Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF) has decided to reschedule the dates for the inaugural Indian TV Fest. ITF?12 was earlier scheduled to be held in Goa from 2-3 November, 2012.

Digitisation of cable TV is the next step forward for the Indian TV industry. Measures have been taken so that no further delays happen in the implementation with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the broadcast industry taking keen interest in the same. IBF, an association of broadcasters, has decided to channelize all its focus and all its might towards ensuring a successful rollout of digitization in Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai and Kolkata. 

Announcing the rescheduling, IBF persident Uday Shankar said, "We at IBF are committed towards the successful implementation of digitisation. At this stage our priority is to ensure that we put in all the industry might behind digitization so that it is successfully completed by the sunset date of November 1, 2012. We understand the importance of this date for the television broadcasting industry; hence IBF has deferred ITF ?12 to a new date."

"I would also like to add that from the time we announced the Indian TV Fest?12, we have received encouraging support from industry peers, sponsors, media and from delegates who have registered with us. This overwhelming response is an indication to the enthusiasm and interest for the festival. The ITF?12 has been rescheduled to a later date and will be conducted as planned," he said.

IBF adds that it has received encouraging support from industry peers,sponsors, media and from delegates who had registered for the event.Rescheduled dates for the festival will be announced shortly.

While the industry is bracing itself to usher in an all new era, many members of the broadcasting industry, its allied industry and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) are likely to be busy with last minute execution and operational details. Indian Broadcasting Foundation received many requests to reschedule the dates of the festival. Being a representative body of the industry, IBF has decided to take the decision that is going to be appreciated by all beneficiaries.

NEW DELHI: Pushed by the government in view of the allegations against TAM, the Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) is setting up a Technical Committee to proceed with the operational tasks for putting a television rating mechanism measurement mechanism in place.

The Government has also been informed that BARC has taken action to constitute a BARC Advisory High Table.

Giving this information in Parliament today, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni said though BARC had been registered in July 2010 under the Companies Act, the recommendations of the Dr Amit Mitra Committee "have not yet been implemented by them".

She said BARC was registered "after constant persuasion by the Government" only after the government consistently pushed the Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF) which had to set up BARC.

Soni reiterated that the Ministry has been regularly reviewing the progress made by BARC towards setting up a transparent and credible TRP measurement system in India.

In June last year, the Minister had told Parliament that BARC had assured the Government that it would file its first TRP report by July 2013.

The Mitra Committee in its report in November 2010 had said BARC would be the main body and organisations like TAM will function under it for the purpose of ratings.

Soni had then said while accepting the report that the number of peoplemeters could be increased from the present 8,000 to 30,000 in the first stage and at least 50,000 later.