New Delhi, July 27: Bringing out a National Media Policy to address the new media landscape, regulation of media education in the country, a National Film Policy to tap the potential of the film sector, and a major push to the animation sector - these are among the recommendations of an information and broadcasting panel report presented Thursday.
 The Sectoral Innovation Council, which analysed the growth potential of the media and entertainment industry, submitted its recommendations on a roadmap for Innovation in I&B Sector to Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni.
 The panel made 64 recommendations in seven areas concerning the media and entertainment sector in such as broadcasting, print media, animation, gaming and VFX, Media education and films, a statement said here Thursday.
 Among the recommendations are: A National Media Policy that integrates all existing media segments and addresses the emergent issues; examining the licensing procedures and requirements to ensure further liberalization and reforms in the broadcasting sector; a separate licensing model for niche radio channels to push for content innovation in the radio segment; involving the Community Radio Service to provide community-based content to All India Radio, which would in turn provide capacity building and training to CRS workers.
 After digitalization in Doordarshan and AIR, the airwaves that would be released could be utilized in house and the extra could be used for creating a public service broadcasting fund which could be utilized exclusively for public service broadcasting.
 Keeping in mind the potential in the film sector, the panel recommended a National Film Policy to address the role of the government vis-à-vis the private sector. The film institutes should be upgraded to Centres of Excellence, which could become part of a Central University of Films, Broadcasting and Animation by an appropriate legislation.
 It has also recommended that the government should have a National Policy for Animation, Gaming and VFX (visual effects) and also go in for co-production in the animation sector to ensure international projects come to India. The Children's Film Society and Doordarshan could be asked to produce animated content.
 Media education should be regulated to ensure orderly growth as part of higher education; and in the same vein as medical and technical education, Media Education should be regulated by a new organisation known as Media Education Council, to be a part of the ministry.
 The information and broadcasting Sectoral Innovation Council was headed by Asha Swarup, retired secretary, and 10 other distinguished members from the field of media and entertainment. IANS

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