The government today indicated that it was not averse to the broadcast of news and current affairs programme on FM channels provided there is a "monitoring mechanism" in place.An indication to this effect was given by Minister of Information and Broadcasting P R Dasmunsi who acknowledged that there has been pressing demand from radio broadcasters to let them air news along with entertainment."We do not straightaway oppose the broadcast of news and current affairs on FM radio but we may have to find a monitoring mechanism," he said while speaking to reporters after chairing a meeting of state information ministers here.The minister said the matter was "under consideration", and the centre would like to have the views of the state governments on the issue.The government's stand assumes significance against the backdrop of a stern warning issued to certain FM stations a fortnight ago for their attempts to air news and current affairs programmes.The existing policy bars private radio broadcasters from airing news and current affairs.
