I&B Minister contemplates increasing airtime on Community Radio

On Friday, Information and Broadcasting Minister, Prakash Javadekar addressed listeners via community radio on Covid-19 related issues as part of an initiative by the Government to connect with all sections of the country. The broadcast took place between 7.00 and 7.30 pm.

During his address, the Union Minister said that he was keen and eager to raise the airtime for advertising on community radio from 7 minutes to 12 minutes. The reason he stated was to bring them on par with TV channels.

Javadekar stated that while 75% of the expenditure during setting-up of community radio stations is borne by the I&B ministry and that comprises a major expenditure, daily operations’ expenditure is borne by the Station. He was eager to give equal time to all radio stations so that they wouldn't have to seek funds and more local advertisements can be relayed on community stations. The minister also mentioned that he will consider allowing news to be broadcast on community radio the same way it is done on FM channels.