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 industrys 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.
Source: Community Radio Network.
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