The Case for Private FM Stations Broadcasting News in India

How do I, as a radio host, navigate the thin line between what is news and what is not?

How do I, as a radio host, navigate this thin line between what is news and what is not? How do I satisfy my listeners' desire for news from their favourite channels without crossing regulatory boundaries?

(Photo: The Quint)

As a radio host, I've always found myself at the intersection of entertainment and information, serving as a bridge between the world of music, humour, and the pressing realities of our times. But there's one critical aspect of communication that I’ve been barred from sharing freely: the news.

Let me take you back to an evening in Srinagar. I was on-air, sharing stories and songs that resonated with our listeners. Suddenly, news broke of a major government coalition collapsing. Phones lit up, and listeners were buzzing with questions and comments. Yet, I felt the frustration of not being able to provide real-time updates or in-depth coverage of this pivotal event. Instead, our audience had to switch to other mediums, breaking the seamless connection we had established.

India's regulatory framework does not permit private FM and community radio stations to broadcast news. This policy, rooted in concerns over potential misuse and misinformation, has its justifications. However, in an era where information is the new currency, this restriction feels increasingly anachronistic. My listeners, who tune in for both entertainment and insight, often express their frustration over this limitation.

Currently, private FM stations in India are restricted from broadcasting news, a privilege solely held by All India Radio (AIR). This limitation stifles the diversity of voices and perspectives available to listeners.

So, how do I, as a radio host, navigate this thin line between what is news and what is not? How do I satisfy my listeners' desire for news from their favourite channels without crossing regulatory boundaries?

The answer lies in creativity and subtlety. While I can't directly broadcast news, I can certainly engage with the topics indirectly. For instance, during that evening when the coalition fell, I used the power of music and storytelling to hint at the gravity of the situation. Playing songs with lyrics that echoed the themes of change and uncertainty sparked quite some curiosity and prompted listeners to seek out more information.

Another approach is through listener interactions. Phone-ins and social media engagements allow me to gauge public sentiment and subtly guide the conversation. I often use these platforms to pose open-ended questions, encouraging listeners to share their thoughts and updates. This way, the flow of information becomes a two-way street, with the audience actively participating in the discourse.

The Need for Change

In an age where misinformation spreads rapidly, having multiple credible sources of news is crucial. Allowing private FM stations to broadcast news will not only enhance the quality of information but also ensure the survival and growth of the radio industry by broadening its content offerings.

Across the globe, radio stations seamlessly integrate news into their broadcasts, providing listeners with timely and relevant information. Imagine tuning in to your favourite FM station and receiving your daily news fix without switching platforms. This integration makes radio an indispensable part of daily life, offering a blend of entertainment and information.

In India, however, we are yet to fully harness the potential of this powerful medium. Allowing private FM stations to broadcast news could transform how we consume news, providing real-time updates and diverse viewpoints directly through the radio.

With its hyperlocal reach, radio can disseminate real-time, up-to-the-minute news coverage, giving stations a competitive edge and attracting new advertisers, thereby benefiting the entire business ecosystem.

TRAI’s Promising Recommendations

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has recently put forth groundbreaking recommendations that could revolutionise the radio landscape in India. Among these is the proposal to permit private FM stations to broadcast news and current affairs programs, limited to 10 minutes per hour. This move could be a game-changer, ensuring that listeners receive accurate and timely news updates.

Additionally, TRAI recommends de-linking the annual license fee from the non-refundable one-time entry fee (NOTEF). The annual license fee should be calculated as four percent of the Gross Revenue (GR) of the FM radio channel, excluding GST.

This shift could bring much-needed financial relief to FM radio operators, especially those still recovering from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

I recall conversations with fellow radio hosts who were deeply affected by the pandemic, struggling to keep their stations afloat. The separation of the annual license fee from the NOTEF is a positive development for FM radio operators. If implemented, it will reduce the monetary burden and improve cash flow, allowing stations to invest in infrastructure, research, development, and content creation. This will create a more stable and conducive economic environment for the radio industry, enabling businesses to thrive.

During the peak of the pandemic, I witnessed firsthand the resilience and creativity of the radio community. Despite financial strains, we continued to bring joy and information to our listeners, often from makeshift home studios. The proposed financial relief measures will help ensure that radio stations can continue to serve their communities effectively, without the constant pressure of exorbitant fees.

The Call for Government Action

To unlock this potential, the government must reassess its regulatory stance. Granting private FM stations the freedom to broadcast news requires a policy shift, ensuring that these stations adhere to journalistic standards while providing accurate and impartial news. This move would democratize information and strengthen the radio industry, making it more resilient in the face of evolving media consumption patterns.

TRAI's recommendations address the major pain points faced by the FM radio industry. The permission to broadcast news content, the length of license terms, the structure of license fees, and other recommendations are crucial and must be implemented. These suggestions hold great potential, yet their success will depend on their implementation and execution.

A Brighter Future for Radio

The time is ripe for India to embrace a more liberal approach to radio broadcasting. Allowing private FM stations to air news and analysis will foster a richer media landscape, support the radio industry's survival, and ensure that the public has access to diverse and credible sources of information. This policy change can revive the spirit of radio, making it a powerful tool for education, empowerment, and entertainment.

As we eagerly await the translation of these recommendations into reality, it is essential for all stakeholders, including the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, to support their implementation wholeheartedly. With the promise of financial stability, expanded reach, and innovative content offerings, the future of FM radio in India looks brighter than ever before. The airwaves are poised for a resurgence, and we anticipate an exciting journey ahead for this beloved medium.

The voice of the people deserves to be heard, and there's no better medium than radio to carry that voice across every corner of our nation. Let’s break the silence and tune in to a new era of FM radio broadcasting.

As a radio host, my role extends beyond playing music and entertaining my listeners. It involves being a part of their lives, sharing their joys and sorrows, and providing a platform for meaningful conversations. While the current regulatory framework presents significant challenges, it also inspires innovation and creativity.

By navigating the thin line between news and permissible content, I strive to keep my listeners informed and engaged. However, the time has come for a reevaluation of these policies. Allowing news on private FM channels would not only benefit the listeners but also strengthen the role of radio as a vital medium of communication in India.

The journey to this change may be long and arduous, but it is a journey worth undertaking. For in the end, an informed public is the cornerstone of a vibrant and resilient democracy.

(Vijdan Saleem is a radio host and a media professional working with Radio Mirchi in Kashmir. Views are personal.)