Doordarshan to try for variety in programme content

New Delhi, July 26 (IANS) State-run TV channel Doordarshan is likely to issue fresh request for proposals for selected slots on its national channel in order to ensure wide participation and bring in more variety in the programme content, official sources said here on Tuesday.

A decision has also been taken by Doordarshan and authorities in Prasar Bharati to "auction" time slots, between 7-11 p.m. for the DD National, a source said.

As per a new policy decision of Prasar Bharati, producers will be asked to provide content in return for a share in the advertising revenue.

These will mainly for prime time from Mondays to Fridays while some hours for weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) can also be offered.

Sources said in 2013, Doordarshan and Prasar Bharati had decided to air big budget programmes for which producers can also bring advertisers or enter into arrangement with private channels for jointly telecasting cost intensive productions.

The idea being essentially to help DD viewers get top quality commercial programmes vis-a-vis the privately run TV channels.

In 2013 during UPA rule, Prasar Bharati Board had also approved proposals which can allow Doordarshan to go for Advertiser Funded Programmes, sources said.