The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India has issued recommendations regarding FM radio broadcasting.
These recommendations include allowing private FM radio operators to air news and current affairs programs, limited to 10 minutes per hour, removing the connection to a non-refundable one-time entry fee, and extending the current FM license period from 15 years to 18 years.
TRAI’s Recommendations Regarding FM Radio Broadcasting
Members of the Association of Radio Operators for India (AROI) brought up certain issues with the authority, such as permitting private FM radio channels to broadcast independent news bulletins and ensuring the availability of FM radio receivers in mobile phones.
According to the recommendations, the annual license fee for an FM radio channel should no longer be tied to the non-refundable one-time entry fee. Instead, the license fee should be calculated as 4% of the Gross Revenue (GR) generated by the FM radio channel during the respective financial year, with GST excluded from the Gross Revenue.
Additionally, steps should be taken by the government to support FM radio operators in addressing challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. Private FM radio operators should be allowed to broadcast news and current affairs programs, but these broadcasts should be limited to 10 minutes per hour. The program code of conduct applicable to news content on All India Radio should also be applied to private FM radio channels.
FM Radio Functionality Should Remain Active and Accessible
FM radio functionality on mobile handsets should remain active and accessible, and the built-in FM radio receiver should not be disabled or deactivated.
To ensure compliance by mobile phone manufacturers or importers, a Standing Committee led by a senior officer at the Joint Secretary level or above should be established by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
This committee should include key stakeholders such as the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, AROI, MAIT (the apex body representing India’s electronics and ICT hardware sector), and ICEA (India Cellular and Electronics Association). Additionally, an online grievance redressal portal should be provided for reporting any noncompliance related to enabling FM radio functionality in mobile handsets equipped with the necessary hardware.
