(a) whether the Government has decided to allow broadcast of news and current affairs through FM radio channels;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the time by which such decision is likely to be implemented; and
(c) the details of licences issued/permission granted for operating FM radio stations
/channels in the country, so far, State-wise?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF INFORMATION & BROADCASTING (SHRI C.M. JATUA)
(a) & (b): Cabinet, in its meeting held on 7.7.2011, has approved the Policy guidelines
on Expansion of FM radio broadcasting services through private agencies (Phase-III).
As per the Policy, the permission holder will be permitted to carry the news bull
etins of All India Radio in exactly same format(Unaltered) on such terms and conditions
as may be mutually agreed with Prasar Bharati. Further certain categories of broad
cast like information pertaining to sporting events, traffic, weather, coverage of cul
tural events, festivals, topics pertaining to examinations, results, admissions, career
counselling will be treated as non-news and current affairs broadcast and will there
fore be permissible. Broadcasting pertaining to availability of employment opportuni
ties and public announcements pertaining to civic amenities would also be covered under
the non-news and current affairs.
As per time schedule for implementation of Policy Guidelines on expansion of FM radio
broadcasting through private agencies, (Phase-III), ascending e-auction process is to
be initiated for issuing permission of FM radio channels in batches over a period of
3 years with the approval of Hon’ble Minister in the Ministry of Information and Broa
dcasting. However, no exact time frame has been mentioned in the Policy for implementa
tion of the decision regarding broadcasting of news & current affairs by the existing
permission holders.
As far as All India Radio (AIR) is concerned, news bulletins/news updates and current
affairs programme are also being broadcast on its FM transmitters.
(c ): Presently, under the Policy on Expansion of FM radio broadcasting services thr
ough private agencies (Phase-II), 245 private FM radio channels are operational in 85
cities.State-wise details of these channels are at Annexure.