NewKerala.com

Key Points

In a significant shift for Indian radio, TRAI has recommended allowing private FM stations to broadcast news. They would be permitted up to 10 minutes of news and current affairs content every hour. The regulator also proposed allowing simultaneous online streaming of these radio programmes. These suggestions are part of broader recommendations for the upcoming FM channel auctions.

Key Points: TRAI Recommends Private FM Radio Allowed 10 Minutes News Hourly

  • TRAI recommends private FM channels can air news for up to 10 minutes every hour
  • News content must follow the central government's prescribed programme code
  • Operators can stream their radio programmes online simultaneously without playback features
  • Recommendations include reserve prices for FM auctions in cities like Bilaspur and Rourkela
  • Proposes flexible payment options and concessional infrastructure sharing with Prasar Bharati
2 min read

TRAI recommends allowing private FM Radio to broadcast 10 minutes of news every hour

TRAI proposes private FM radio can now air 10 minutes of news per hour, with content adhering to government programme codes and allowing simultaneous online streaming.

"“Private FM Radio operators should be allowed to broadcast news and current affairs programmes, limited to 10 minutes in each clock hour.” - TRAI"

New Delhi, Sep 23

In a major move that could change the face of private FM radio in India, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) on Tuesday recommended that private FM radio operators be allowed to broadcast news and current affairs programmes for up to 10 minutes in every clock hour.

The regulator said the news content must follow the programme code prescribed by the central government.

“Private FM Radio operators should be allowed to broadcast news and current affairs programmes, limited to 10 minutes in each clock hour,” the telecom regulatory body said.

It also proposed that authorised FM operators be permitted to stream their radio programmes online at the same time, but without user-controlled features like download, playback or replay.

“The authorised entity shall follow the programme code for news content as prescribed by the Central Government from time to time,” it added.

The recommendations were part of TRAI’s detailed report on “Reserve Prices for auction of FM Radio channels,” prepared after the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) sought guidance on setting reserve prices for FM auctions in several cities.

After issuing a consultation paper in August 2024 and holding an open house discussion in October, TRAI finalised its recommendations.

It suggested that the reserve price for auction should be set at Rs 0.83 crore for Bilaspur, Rs 1.20 crore for Rourkela and Rs 0.97 crore for Rudrapur.

“For category ‘E’ cities in hill states and border regions, the reserve price should be Rs 3.75 lakh,” TRAI added.

The regulator also recommended that FM operators in category ‘E’ cities should have a minimum net worth of Rs 30 lakh, while existing net worth rules for other categories of cities should continue.

For these smaller cities, the annual authorisation fee should be 2 per cent of Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) for the first three years and then 4 per cent thereafter. AGR, TRAI clarified, will be calculated after excluding GST from gross revenue.

To support the financial health of FM radio operators, TRAI suggested delinking the annual licence fee from the one-time entry fee, offering more flexible payment options similar to spectrum auctions.

It also proposed that Prasar Bharati share its land, towers and transmission infrastructure with private broadcasters at concessional rentals, while fully recovering operational costs.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good move but the "programme code prescribed by government" part worries me. Hope this doesn't become another platform for propaganda. Independent journalism should be protected. Still, better than no news at all on private radio.
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Arjun K
The streaming provision is smart thinking! Many of us listen to radio via apps now. Though no download feature is disappointing - what if I miss important news while commuting? Hope they reconsider this limitation.
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Sarah B
The reduced fees for smaller cities show TRAI is thinking about regional development. FM radio can be a lifeline in remote areas where internet is unreliable. This could really help local businesses and communities in border regions.
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Michael C
As someone who works in media, the infrastructure sharing proposal with Prasar Bharati is brilliant. Will reduce costs significantly and help radio stations become profitable. More competition should lead to better content for listeners.
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Nisha Z
Hope this means we'll get traffic updates, weather alerts, and local event news on FM now! Much better than relying on social media rumors. But implementation will be key - hope stations hire proper journalists, not just RJs reading headlines.
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Vikram M
The financial reforms are sensible. Delinking licence fee from entry fee will encourage more players. Radio industry has been

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