The Hindu Business Line : Govt to revive radio via private sector: Minister

THE Union Government plans to encourage the private sector in setting up radio stations in the country on a large scale. The requisite policy framework will soon be prepared, said Mr S. Jaipal Reddy, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister.

"The FM radio phase one has not been very successful and many of the radio stations have been closed, as the accent has been more on revenue than on growth. We are formulating different, growth-oriented policies to suit the private sector. We hope at least 400 private radio stations will come up in the next three to four years. Our aim is to revive the radio as in the West," said Mr Reddy, at a meet-the-press programme organised by the Vizag Journalists' Forum here on Wednesday.

He said tenders would be called in two months for private radio stations.

On whether news will be allowed to be broadcast on the private radios, the minister said a decision would have to be taken on the issue.

Mr Reddy said existing infrastructure would be sufficient for setting up the radio stations. The AIR towers can be used for the purpose.

Mr Reddy said the Government would also encourage community radio stations. An investment of Rs 10 lakh will be sufficient for setting up a community radio. He said 4,000 such stations could be set up in the country. It will be useful for colleges, universities and private institutions.

FDI in print media: The minister said he had opposed the move to allow 26 per cent FDI in the print media when the NDA Government was in power and the Congress was the Opposition.

"However, the previous Government had gone ahead with it and we are merely persisting with it, for the sake of policy continuity. If there is no such continuity, it may harm the interests of the nation," he said.

On allowing foreign newspapers and magazines to be printed in the country, Mr Reddy said the matter was under consideration by a Cabinet sub-committee.

He said the Government was considering setting up a quasi-judicial autonomous body to monitor satellite TV channels. It will be like the press council for the print media, said Mr Reddy and added that the need for such a body had been voiced by many sections of society.

On DD's DTH platform, he said, currently, 33 channels were available and 17 more would soon be added. "It is a unique achievement in the world that a public broadcaster is owning such a platform," he said.

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