Ensure information networks are operational: MIB to States/UTs

On 23rd March, The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting wrote to the chief secretaries of all States/Union Territories requesting them to ensure operational continuity of print and electronic media in view of threat of COVID-19 outbreak.

The statement reads, “The Government of India and State/UT Governments are taking necessary steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19. At this juncture, robust and essential information dissemination networks viz. TV Channels, News Agencies, Teleport Operators, Digital Satellite News Gathering (DSNG), Direct-to-Home (DTH) and Highend-in-the-Sky (HITS), Multi System Operators (MSOs), Cable Operators, Frequency Modulation (FM) Radio and Community Radio Stations (CRSs) are of utmost importance to ensure timely and authentic information dissemination.”

The letter stresses the need to keep this information network operational as their outreach is of vital importance. It requested State/UTs to facilitate operational convenience of the mentioned services.

The concerned service providers were asked to coordinate with the local authorities in case any problem is faced by them in providing uninterrupted services.