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More satellite channels by April

AVIK SANWAR RAHMAN
At least four private satellite channels and one FM (Frequency Modulation) radio station are likely to receive permission soon as the information ministry has started processing their papers in a bid to encourage competition and increase professionalism in the electronics media.
"The applications from the satellite channels and FM radio stations have remained under wraps for years. But the files have been reopened recently," said an official of the information ministry.
According to sources, satellite TV channels Boishakhi, A-One, Shamol Bangla and the suspended Ekushey TV (ETV) were likely to start telecasting by April this year.
A private FM radio station has also reportedly received the nod from the ministry and will operate under Shamol Bangla. Shamol Bangla is expected start broadcasting from March.
"We have been trying to get the permission from the government for a long time and now we are hopeful that we will get it soon. We had a plan to re-start transmitting on February 21 but now we are looking at Pahela Baishakh (the first day of the Bengali New Year)," said a high official of ETV.
The information ministry had given permission to seven channels - Channel i, ATN Bangla, International Television (NTV), Inquilab Television (ITV), Universal Television (UTV), Jamuna
Television (JTV), and Ekushey Televison (ETV) before deciding against allowing more channels.
Among those which received the permission, Channel i, ATN Bangla and NTV are now in operation. ITV, UTV and JTV failed to start telecasting within 365 days of getting the permission while ETV's contract was terminated following a ruling from the Supreme Court.
The ministry had short-listed about 35 private satellite channels and 15 radio stations from the applications it received in 2003 but other than the seven mentioned above, no other channel could go on air.
Following the lengthy legal battle between the ETV and the government which became more complicated due to the lack of an electronics media regulation, the information ministry decided to work on the matter.
"The Private Broadcast Media
(Radio and Television) Bill 2004 had been sent back by the parliamentary
committee which wanted further improvement after comparing it with the regulations of other countries. It is now with the ministry," said Sirajul Islam, assistant secretary of the information ministry.
According to the draft regulation, private satellite channels would require license which was not needed previously.
The draft law calls for compulsory licensing, a system for scrutiny of applications, issuance of first time license for five years, renewal of licenses and fees for issuance and renewal. The draft also said that the channels already on air would require fresh licenses under the new law.
The government will invite applications from individuals and companies interested in setting up radio and TV channels and a
committee comprising a chairman nominated by the government and six members will issue the license.
The private satellite channels that are waiting permission include Media One, Liberty television, Dhaka TeleFilm, Telebangla, Bishal Multimedia, KTV, Bengal News, Janata Televsion, Daffodil Multimedia, Bishal Music, Bijoy Broadcasting Univision, Bangla Television, Maxel Multimedia, Development Media TV Channel, SAS World, TV Bangla, Bangladesh Channel USA, Nationwide Communication, Bangla TV London, Probashi Television Network, National Television, Gazi Satellite Network, Movie Tone Media Communication.
The status of applicants varied. There are former vice-chancellors of universities, newspaper editors, industrialists and expatriates among the applicants. Some of them do not have the sound financial capacity and technical know-how to launch a channel.
"To establish a satellite television channel, about Tk 60 crore is needed," said a marketing manger of a satellite channel.
There are allegations that those close to ministers and the ruling coalition were getting priority in receiving permission to start satellite channels. But officials of the existing satellite channels think that more channels may actually prove harmful unless the market itself got bigger.