[cr-india] why distinguish CR from regular FM?

[sajan venniyoor]

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On Fri, 15 Oct 2004 Subramaniam Vincent wrote :
>On the topic of TRAI wanting a definition of community radio: I think
>it’s a good thing that the Chairman is asking these questions, because
>that means he ... is actually >thinking about it

Dear Subbu,

Months before the May 2004 workshop, we came out with a draft CR Policy which attempts a reasonable definition of 'Community' and 'Community Radio'. This 'consensus document' (as Dr.Vinod Pavarala elegantly calls his creation) was circulated during the May workshop.

1.1. Definition of Community: Community may be defined as a non-sectarian group of individuals who are territorially-bound and share a common socio-economic position/interest; for the purpose of community radio, the ‘community’ is constituted by those who reside within the coverage area of the radio station.

1.2.     Definition of Community Radio: Community radio has three key aspects: non-profit making, community ownership and management, and community participation.  Community radio is distinguished by its limited local reach, low-power transmission, and programming content that reflects the educational, developmental and cultural needs of the specific community it serves.


>Also, TRAI does seem to be particularly aware of the difference between >program underwriting and advertising. In India, there is little >experience of the latter, in radio. 

The Ministry of I&B is also quite aware of the difference between programme underwriting (which we call sponsorship) and advertising, and they have banned both in the existing guidelines. 
"4.9:  The licensee shall not air any advertisement or sponsored programmes."

In practical terms, the difference between sponsorship and advertising is so negligible as to be non-existent. However, we ought to make a clear distinction between broadcast revenue and non-broadcast revenue, and it is a moot point whether the Govt. can expect a 4% share of revenue from off-air activities like the sale of CDs and mementos, donations, ticket-sales from concerts and what-have-you.

Sajan.