(a) whether the Government has banned broadcasting of news on the private F.M.
channels;
(b) whether the Government is aware that despite the ban, private FM channels are
explaining the news in their own ways and broadcasting them; and
(c) if so, the reaction of the Government in this regard?
THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING ANDE CULTURE (SHRI S. JAIPAL REDDY)
(a), (b) & (c): The private FM radio operations are governed by the terms and conditions
of license agreement signed between the government and the private broadcasters. These
conditions, inter alia, prescribe that the license is for free to air broadcasts of audio,
excluding news and current affairs. The cases of violation of the license conditions are
dealt with as per the provision of the license agreement.
A complaint from Prasar Bharati was received in June, 2002 regarding broadcasting of
news & current affairs on a Private FM channel in Mumbai. The matter was taken up
with the broadcaster, who had responded that it had happened inadvertently and that they
have taken measures to ensure that this is not repeated. Other broadcasters were also
asked to ensure the same. No further complaint regarding transmission of FM radio
channel of any Licensee has been received.
The Ministry is drawing the attention of all private FM broadcasters to adhere to the
norms, i.e., not to broadcast news & current affairs.