The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has proposed a common set of broadcasting regulations for television and radio, aiming to streamline the sector. However, a long-standing demand of the FM radio industry to allow it to broadcast news may not be met if the draft rules are approved.
The proposal, which seeks to unify the regulatory framework, has been met with mixed reactions. While some stakeholders welcome the move towards standardization, others express disappointment over the exclusion of news broadcasts on FM channels.
Currently, FM radio stations are prohibited from airing news, a restriction that the industry has been lobbying to change. The draft regulations do not address this issue, leaving the FM sector's demand unresolved.
The government is expected to invite public comments on the draft before finalizing the rules. The move is part of broader efforts to modernize India's broadcasting landscape and ensure consistency across platforms.
