Next on FM could be news

NEW DELHI: The government is likely to consider opening up the FM radio sector further, to allow news and current affairs in private stations, it is learnt. A decision on revising the rule book for radio is expected after the bidding process for FM-II is completed, a senior government representative told DNA. Even if the government allows news and current affairs in private FM radio, there may be some riders.

Recently, an expert committee appointed by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) recommended allowing news and current affairs in private FM radio. On the sidelines of a telecom event here on Monday, minister of state in the PMO, Prithviraj Chavan, refused to comment on whether the government had arrived at a decision on the issue.

Meanwhile, an industry source, who refused to be identified, indicated that “it is only a matter of time before news is allowed in private FM radio”.  Interestingly, information and broadcasting minister P R Dasmunshi had earlier said news would not be allowed in private FM radio for another two years. 

The PMO panel, which gave its view on FM recently, has secretaries to various ministries and media and entertainment industry representatives, Shekhar Kapur, Kiran Karnik, Sashi Kumar, Ravi Vasudevan and Amit Khanna.