Allow FM radio channels to broadcast news: TRAI

Agencies
Posted online: Friday , February 22, 2008 at 1601 hrs IST
New Delhi, February 22: Broadcast regulator TRAI recommended that FM radio operators should be allowed to broadcast news and suggested increase in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to up to 49 per cent.At present, there is a 20 per cent ceiling on FDI in FM radio space and TRAI recommended that 26 per cent foreign investment can be allowed in radio channels that want to broadcast news and 49 per cent in non-news FM stations.The FDI cap will also include funds received from Foreign Institutional Investors, TRAI said in its recommendation.It suggested that FM radio broadcasters may be permitted to broadcast news using content from AIR, Doordarshan, authorised news channels, PTI, UNI and any other authorised news agency, the recommendation on third phase of private FM radio broadcasting said.With this move, a large section of the population, which hitherto lack access to information, would be able to keep themselves abreast without any costs that are attached to internet and TV services, it said.It also recommended lowering of annual fees by 50 per cent from the existing permission holders for private FM radio broadcasters in North East and Jammu and Kashmir region for an initial period of three years.
http://www.financialexpress.com/news/Allow-FM-radio-channels-to-broadcast-news--TRAI/275981/