[cr-india] Govt to allow news on private FM?

[sajan venniyoor]

I&B to allow news on private FM  
ASHISH SINHA 
April 11, 2006 

NEW DELHI, APRIL 10:  In what would be a major boost to the viability of private FM radio stations across the country, the I&B ministry is likely to allow news and current affairs programming on private FM radio. This could be implemented before September when new stations under phase-II go on air, industry sources told FE. 

“In-principle, the government has accepted the industry’s longstanding demand to allow news on private FM radio. A final draft is being worked out in the ministry,” sources close to the development said. 

The second phase of FM radio has been rolled out with the government giving licenses to 280 new stations in 91 cities. “News and current affairs on FM radio will not only provide avenues of differentiated programming but also more advertising revenue,” sources pointed out. 
In the last five years, advertising pie from private FM radio has stagnated at Rs 300 crore. 

According to analysts, inclusion of news and news-based shows will boost advertising revenues by over 70-80%. 

The phase-II of FM radio got going on the recommendations of the Amit Mitra Committee, which had suggested allowing news and current affairs programes on FM radio.
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IAB grants membership to newly formed FM operators’ body, backs demand for allowing news 
April 11, 2006, exchange4media News Service 

The Asociación Internacional de Radiodifusión (AIR) and International Association of Broadcasting (IAB) have granted membership to the newly formed Association of Radio Operators of India (AROI). IAB has also written a letter to the I&B Ministry demanding to allow hardcore news on Indian private FM radio stations. 

Confirming the development Rajiv Mishra, coordinator AROI and CEO of Radio Masti (BAG Infotainment), said, “This is a major achievement for AROI within just 15 days of its formation. We are glad to get the membership at IAB and are very hopeful that news will be allowed in private FM radio soon.” 

Along with the letter addressed to the I&B Ministry, IAB has also attached supportive documents on the regulatory environment from all across the globe where hardcore news is allowed. 

In a statement, Alfonso Ruiz De Assin, President of AIR and IAB, expressed his concern and said, “I fail to understand why news is not allowed in India as radio is the fastest medium and extremely user-friendly tool of communication.” 

The General Assembly of IAB early on Monday morning at Madrid (Spain) agreed in principle to grant AROI active membership. IAB is the global body of private FM Radio broadcasters with more than 17,000 frequencies as members. 




 
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