Govt turns down pvt FM radio operators' demand to use OB vans

New Delhi, Jan 3 (UNI) The Ministry of Information and Brodcasting has rejected the demand of private FM radio operators to use OB(Outside Broadcast) vans as is allowed to private TV channels.

Bar on private operators to use OB vans is in conformity with the present policy of not allowing the private FM radio to broadcast news and current affairs programmes, an official in the Ministry told UNI.

Once these operators are allowed to broadcast any event live, it would be tantamount to stepping into broadcasting the current events, he added.

FM Radio operators have been demanding permission to broadcast news and current affairs programme ever since they started their operations last year, arguing that it would go a long way in ensuring their viablity.

Such programmes would give a variety to private FM besides boosting their advertisement revenue.

The phase-II of FM radio, under which licenses were given for 280 new stations in 91 cities, was launched on the recommendations of the Amit Mitra Committee that had recommended allowing news and current affairs programes on FM radio.

However, the government has so far been turning down the demand in view of the sensitive nature of such programmes.

The official said FM operators will have to wait for clearance of their first demand before they could be allowed use of OB vans.

UNI