Govt bans Red FM over RJ’s ‘racial’ slurur

NEW DELHI: The Centre has banned Red FM radio for a week over a ‘racial’ comment made by one of its jockeys against ‘Indian Idol’ Prashant Tamang.

Information and broadcasting minister PR Dasmunsi said the ban was subject to a decision from the Telecom Disputes Settlement & Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) expected on October 4. Red FM had petitioned TDSAT over the recent show-cause notice issued by the government.

The Kalanidhi Maran-promoted Sun group’s subsidiary South Asia FM holds 48.9% stake in Red FM, and promoters — Usha Reddy, Arjun Rao and NDTV — together have 51.1%.

Kalanidhi is the brother of Dayanidhi Maran, who had to quit as Communications and IT Minister in the UPA government over differences with his granduncle and DMK supremo M Karunanidhi.