The government is concerned over the All India Radio (AIR) and the Doordarshan (DD) losing shine to private TV channels. It has issued a circular, asking its offices to give them priority in disseminating information.

Pointing out that Prasar Bharti, which is the national broadcaster and runs the AIR and the DD, has credibility and reaches even the far-flung areas in regional languages is not served by private networks, cabinet secretary Ajit Seth has issued a circular directing all ministries and offices to regularly interact with DD and AIR correspondents.

"Access to timely and relevant information is not available to Prasar Bharati unlike other media channels for dissemination through its news and current affairs programmes," says the circular calling for utilisation of full capabilities of the national broadcaster.

It seeks strengthening regular engagement with DD and AIR correspondents to share information about major flagship programmes, policy measures and enhance interaction with other media channels.

Those working with the Doordarshan, however, say access to government officials is not the problem but shortage of staff as the finance ministry is not releasing funds for Prasar Bharati.

The circular also directs that senior government officers when on tour should interact with local DD/AIR correspondent and provide them information on activities of the ministries and departments.

"Regional language should be used in an effective way and suitable nodal officers should be nominated at the state/regional level with the mandate to provide timely and relevant information about the programmes of a ministry/department to local DD/AIR correspondents. The local success stories must be highlighted in regional languages during the broadcast," the cabinet secretary stressed.