This refers to the report, "FM radio stations look forward to good news" (Take Two, June 20). While permitting FM stations to broadcast news, one should note that these have created a recreational image for themselves. Thus, at least initially, it may be difficult for them to fit with the seriousness of news broadcasting. How the regulator will be able to monitor the news content and the slant given by so many channels is also important. It may be appropriate if news capsules are released based on some authentic sources such as Doordarshan, Press Trust of India and so on. Live news broadcasting has high chances of mistakes or even mischief. The decision to allow news broadcasting must exclusively be taken from the viewpoint of the impact on listeners of FM stations, rather than the economics or viability of channels which, on comparison with previous concerns, pale into insignificance.
Y P Issar Karnal
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