Govt warns FM radio operators against airing news

New Delhi, Aug 31 (UNI) Taking serious note of some FM Radio operators airing news snippets, the government today asked them to stop it as it was in violation of their licence.

''It has come to the notice of the Ministry of Information&Broadcasting that some private FM radio channels are airing news snippets and current affairs in violation of rules for FM radio operators. These violations have been viewed very seriously by the Ministry,'' it said.

As per the policy, news and current affairs were not allowed to be broadcast by private FM channel in any manner. The carriage of news snippets and current affairs violates the provisions, which have been incorporated in clause 1.4 and 23.4 of Grant of Permission Agreement signed by private operators with the government.

''It is, therefore, advised that all concerned parties refrain from any such activities, which are in violation of terms and conditions of FM license,'' the Ministry said.

Ever since the implementation of private FM Radio Policy in July 2005, over 100 FM stations became operational within a year and around 150 FM stations are likely to be operational by the end or the year.

UNI