The Government may soon allow private FM radio channels to broadcast news bulletins sourced from All India Radio (AIR).

Delivering the keynote at the Radio Congress 2011, Mr Rajiv Takru, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, said FM channels can carry news bulletins of AIR unaltered.

The Radio Congress 2011 was organised by Association of Radio Operators for India, a body of commercial radio operators.

Private FM channels are not allowed to broadcast news bulletins. AIR is looking at various modules, including a two-minute news capsule, for the FM stations, he said. Further, AIR will look at monetising the initiative.

On the third phase of expansion of FM radio, Mr Takru said the Government expects to take a final view in two to three months.

About 806 radio licences are expected to be issued as the Government plans to take FM radio to about 283 towns.

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