DD Kashir revamp aims to counter propaganda

New Delhi: In an effort to reach out to the people of Kashmir, Doordarshan has decided to revamp the content of Kashir — its dedicated channel for the Valley. The channel’s revamp is expected to help the government stop any misinformation being spread by extremist outfits.

Sources said that the public broadcaster plans to earmark dedicated time-slots for popular and latest Hindi movies, programmes based on film songs and soaps to increase its TRPs in the region.

Through the development of content for Kashir channel, the Prasar Bharati also aims to facilitate the growth of fresh local talent. In an effort to completely revamp the look of the Kashir channel, the public broadcaster has invited applications for an agency to undertake the packaging work for the channel. Doordarshan has also invited proposals for the telecast of programmes under the commissioning mode in 11 different categories for the channel.

Apart from these, the Doordarshan plans to introduce cooking and cuisine shows and other infotainment programmes in an effort to bring out the ruich cultural heritage of the region.

The plan to strengthen content on DD Kashir was proposed with a view to enhance broadcasting capabilities in border areas, as it was felt that people living in such areas regularly receive anti-India feed on their television sets from across the border.

This move is expected to strengthen the information dissemination system in the state, which faces a constant propaganda war through the airwaves from across the border in Pakistan. Launched in 2003, DD Kashir also telecasts programmes focusing on Kashmiri culture and traditions, and the history of Kashmir valley.