Over 800 more FM radio stations will be made available in India when FM phase-III is rolled out, while 31 new satellite TV channels are awaiting the government’s approval, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni said yesterday. This was reported by the Press Trust of India.
“In the broadcast sector, to date, 653 satellite channels have been granted permission and 31 are awaiting permission, while the FM Phase-III to be rolled out shortly will ensure availability of 806 radio stations across 283 cities,” she said.
Mrs Soni was addressing the inaugural session of International Colloquium on Freedom of Expression & Human Rights organised by the Press Council of India in New Delhi. She said the Government is committed to ensuring a level playing field for different segments of the media to promote a sustainable growth process and a robust industry. She asked the media to avoid “sensationalism or trivialisation of issues” in pursuit of commercial interests.
“The media ought to act as an enabler, giving a voice to the voiceless in order to ensure that every marginal group is heard, seen and involved. (The media) should highlight issues that protect and enhance the dignity and self-esteem of such groups, hence empowering them,” she said.
(Source: Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union)
on May 2nd, 2011 at 12:37
ya its true that soon indian audience will have hundreds of FM radio channels and satellite TV news channels, but there is a problem. FM radio channels are not allowed to air NEWS content, so they are restricted themselves to film musics and songs.in that sense, these upcoming new hoards of FM news channels will nothing to do with the PRESS. they are, here in india, just entertainers not the media organization with journalistic duties.
on May 7th, 2011 at 18:05
India has so many stations broadcasting entertainment material. News, Current Affairs and materials that are useful to the society at large are still kept away from these stations. India needs to improve on this segment and now is the right time.