Govt cracks whip on 'errant' FM radio channels

Source: Deccan Herald

New Delhi, Nov 28, 2012,

DHNS: Ministry asks them to stop airing vulgar, objectionable content

 

Taking serious note of airing of "vulgar" and "objectionable" content by many private FM channels, the government has issued a warning asking all of them to abide by the programme and advertisement code followed by the All India Radio, or else face penal action.

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has cracked the whip on the private FM channel operators after it received several complaints about contents being aired by some of them.

"It came to our notice that vulgar and objectionable content was being aired on several FM radio channels. The language used by many radio jockeys was indecent and offensive. They often make defamatory and derogatory comments, particularly in night hours, which do not appear to be in good taste," official sources in the Ministry said.

Taking note of the complaints, the Ministry asked all the FM radio operators to refrain from airing such content, reminding them of their responsibility to ensure that nothing in violation of the conditions stipulated at the time granting them permission should be aired.

"We have issued a sort for advisory to all the FM radio operators now. Serious action will be taken, if any of them further violate the code. Serious action includes penal action as deemed fit in accordance with the terms and conditions laid down in the grant of permission agreement," a ministry official said.

The code

AIR Programme and Advertising code does not permit attacks on religion or communities, anything obscene, any incitement to violence or anything that may adversely affect law and order.

The broadcasting code clearly prohibits airing of any programme that involves criticism of friendly countries, attack on religious communities, attack on political party by name, hostile criticism of any state government or the centre appeals for fund and trade names in broadcast which amounts to advertising directly.

"These are the some of the basic conditions that is put at the time of granting permission. The operators of FM radio channels are duty bound to fulfill all the conditions stipulated in the grant of permission agreement," the official added.

There are 242 private FM channels operational in the country. In July, the government approved a policy on expansion of FM radio broadcasting services.

Sources said the ministry has plans to permit 839 more FM channels in 294 cities through e-auction, on the lines followed by the department of telecommunication (DoT) in the auction of 3G and BWA (broadband wireless access) spectrum.

Link: http://www.deccanherald.com/content/295121/govt-cracks-whip-errant-fm.html