SRINAGAR: Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, Sanjay Jaju, on Saturday, reviewed the functioning of the Ministry’s media units in Srinagar, calling for deeper coordination and a renewed focus on region-specific content that reflects the cultural fabric of Jammu and Kashmir, a spokesman of the PIB said
During his day-long visit, Jaju was briefed on the operations of Doordarshan, Akashvani, Press Information Bureau (PIB), Central Bureau of Communication (CBC), and the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Government of Jammu and Kashmir.
He also inspected the facilities at Doordarshan Kendra Srinagar and Akashvani Srinagar, holding detailed interactions with programme, editorial, and technical staff. Jaju appreciated the role of public broadcasters in shaping informed citizenry and stressed the need for creating more indigenous content tailored to regional audiences.
“Public broadcasting in a region like Jammu and Kashmir must not only inform but also inspire,” he said. “By promoting local languages, expanding news content, and leveraging our platforms, we aim to create a stronger, more inclusive media presence that truly reflects the voice and diversity of the region.”
While reviewing the functioning of Doordarshan Kendra, the Secretary advised expansion of regional news bulletins to ensure wider coverage of developments across the UT. He expressed particular interest in the production of new serials and films for DD Kashir, underlining the importance of providing a creative platform to local talent and untold stories.
Jaju also emphasised the need to tap the potential of digital media to reach younger audiences. He urged teams to popularise the Ministry’s integrated OTT platform, WAVES, which brings together curated audio-visual content from Doordarshan and All India Radio. Calling for greater amplification and user engagement, he noted that such platforms are essential for evolving public broadcasting in the digital age.
Highlighting the strategic importance of DD Free Dish, particularly in sensitive regions like Jammu and Kashmir, he noted that the platform plays a vital role in providing free and reliable information access. He called for sustained efforts to boost its penetration and household reach across the Union Territory.
Jaju also underscored the need for close collaboration between DIPR and the central media units under the Ministry to ensure unified messaging and efficient dissemination of government schemes, public interest content, and developmental initiatives.
The review meeting was attended by Muneer-ul Islam, Secretary Information, Government of Jammu and Kashmir; Qazi Salman, Director, PIB Srinagar and RNU, DD News; Nitish Rajora, Director Information, J&K; and senior officials from CBC, programme and engineering divisions of Doordarshan and Akashvani Srinagar.
