According to them, DD is thinking of commissioning programmes produced by private companies on the 24-hour channel.

Though other channels are also being considered seriously, the news and current affairs channel is on top of the priority list for Prasar Bharati, sources added. The move on the part of Prasar Bharati assumes significance after the I&B minister had called for a change in the nature of Prasar Bharati in the current competitive broadcasting scenario.

Significantly, the I&B minister while answering a Lok Sabha question regarding the TV Today-produced Aaj Taak on Wednesday stated that the decision was rested with the Prasar Bharati.

Prasar Bharati has also decided to set up more FM Radio stations. The new stations would be set up at Kakinada (Andhra Pradesh),Mehboobnagar (Andhra Pradesh), Kasargod (Kerala), Darjeeling (West Bengal), Junagarh (Gujarat), Imphal (Manipur) and Agartala (Tripura).

This was a move initiated by the corporation after the FM service earned Rs 4.21 lakh in 1997-98.

Further, two high powered television transmitters at Naushera and Poonch (DD-II) are envisaged to be set up by Prasar Bharati. An LPT at Poonch and two VLPTs Bafiaz (Poonch district) and Darhal (Rajouri district) are already under implementation by the Prasar Bharati. Besides, the corporation is also setting up a 10 kw FM transmitter and studios at Jannu and a 6 kw FM transmitter and MP studios at Bhadarwah.