TRAI recommends private FM radio channels to broadcast news

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has announced its latest recommendations that open the door for private FM radio channels to broadcast independent news bulletins. These recommendations are a response to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting's (MIB) request for guidance under section 11(1)(a) of the TRAI Act, 1997, as of the 11th of May 2022. In addition to this groundbreaking recommendation, TRAI has addressed other vital issues:

Removing Linkage to Non-Refundable One Time Entry Fee (NOTEF): The recommendations propose to eliminate the linkage to the Non-Refundable One Time Entry Fee (NOTEF) in the formula for annual fees, as prescribed in the FM Ph-III Policy Guidelines dated 25th July 2011.
Extending FM license period: The existing FM license period of 15 years is proposed to be extended by an additional three years.
To ensure a comprehensive assessment of these issues, TRAI held a meeting with representatives of the Association of Radio Operators for India (AROI) on the 5th of August 2022. During this meeting, AROI raised additional concerns, including:
Availability of FM radio receivers in mobile handsets In response to these concerns, TRAI issued a consultation paper on the 9th of February 2023, inviting stakeholders to share their comments. The consultation period concluded on the 9th of March 2023, followed by counter-comments until the 23rd of March 2023. A total of 11 comments and nine counter-comments were received from stakeholders. These valuable contributions are available on TRAI's website.

In an effort to ensure inclusivity and transparency, an Open House Discussion was conducted on the 26th of April 2023 via online mode.
After meticulous consideration of all comments, counter-comments, and a thorough analysis of the issues at hand, TRAI has finalized its recommendations. The key highlights of these recommendations include:
Delinking annual license fee from NOTEF: The annual license fee for FM radio channels will be de-linked from the Non-Refundable One Time Entry Fee (NOTEF).

Calculation of license fee: License fees will be calculated as 4% of the Gross Revenue (GR) of FM radio channels during the respective financial year, excluding GST. COVID-19 relief measures: The government will explore appropriate measures to provide relief to FM radio operators facing challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Broadcasting of news and current affairs: Private FM radio operators will be allowed to broadcast news and current affairs programmes, limited to 10 minutes in each clock hour. Application of programme code of conduct: The programme code of conduct applicable to All India Radio for news content will also be applied to private FM radio channels.
Ensuring FM radio functionality on mobile handsets: FM radio functions on mobile handsets with the necessary hardware should remain enabled and activated, with no form of disablement or deactivation. Establishment of a standing committee: A standing committee, headed by a senior officer of Joint Secretary or above level, will oversee and monitor compliance by mobile phone manufacturers (or importers), including key stakeholders such as MIB, AROI, MAlT, and ICEA.

Online grievance redressal portal: An online grievance redressal portal will be provided for submitting information or complaints in cases of non-compliance regarding the enablement of FM radio functionality in mobile handsets with the necessary capabilities.