New Delhi: After its Iraq war coverage for 'Doordarshan' (DD), Saeed Naqvi's 'Third Eye TV' will now produce six commissioned programmes on Indo-Pak relations for the channel.

The Prasar Bharati, which will be paying for the programmes, has asked the 'Third Eye' to produce the episodes on a weekly basis, Prasar Bharati chief executive officer K S Sarma said after a two-day Board meeting.

The programme is likely to go on air in June, he said, adding the 'Third Eye' has agreed to the proposal.

The intention would be to create awareness among the people about the developments in relations between the two countries, particularly in the wake of the recent peace initiatives from both sides, he said.

However, the Board decided that from May 8 'Third Eye's' regular programmes will not be commissioned ones, but on a sponsorship basis.

"Being popular, it has found good sponsors. We are trying to use them for current affairs slots beginning with five days a week," Sarma said.

The 'Third Eye' had asked for an extension of 20 episodes after completing 20 on the Iraq war on April 10. Since the war was not over, it was given the extension, keeping in mind the viewership ratings. The extended run ran out on May 8.

In another major decision, the Board decided to open up the post for director general of All India Radio (AIR), to the private sector as well, since it did not find any eligible candidate among those who applied for it from the public sector.

The Board, which met on May 7 and 8, interviewed two of the 12 candidates who applied for the post. However, it felt that the public broadcaster should go for direct recruitment from the open market.

Asked if he expected eligible candidates from the private sector to apply for the post, Sarma said, "Yes, definitely. There are connoisseurs of music who would love to."

The Board has agreed to a proposal to provide life insurance cover for the Prasar Bharati employees in Jammu and Kashmir on the lines as military and para-military forces, working under the fear of terrorist attacks.

Sarma had assured DD and AIR employees that he would place the proposal before the Board during his trip to Srinagar after the terrorist attack on the public broadcaster's office there.

PTI