New Delhi: Asserting that Doordarshan (DD) and All India Radio (AIR) would continue to have a "powerful role" despite emergence of private channels, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ravi Shanker Prasad today (Nov 12) lashed out at cable operators for their "step-brotherly" approach towards State-run television news channel.

Underlining that cable operators were under obligation to air newly-launched DD News channel, he warned that legal action could be taken in case of their failure to do so.

"Cable operators are according step-brotherly treatment to DD News. They should know law makes it mandatory for them to air the channel," Prasad said at the fourth 'Public Service Broadcasting Day' organised by the Broadcast Engineering Services in New Delhi.

He said as a Minister he would ensure that "law takes its own course" wherever the cable operators default in their obligation.

Noting that advancement in technology was an ongoing affair, the Minister said public broadcasters like DD and AIR should realise "contemporary challenges" and meet these by making technology available cheaply.

"Public broadcasters will continue to have a powerful role because of its integral link with culture," Prasad said.

He also criticised display of deviation from culture by some of the latest Bollywood songs.

PTI