Two additional dedicated frequencies to be allocated for community radio: I&B Secy

The Department of Telecommunications has decided to allocate two additional dedicated frequencies for running community radio, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Secretary said on Thursday.

In his valedictory address at the 7th National Community Radio Sammelan, organised by the ministry, Amit Khare also announced that the advertisement rates for community radio will be revised by the Bureau of Outreach and Communication within two months, on the lines of the recent hike for print and electronic media.

Khare also announced that a community radio cell will be set up in the Ministry for grievance redressal and collating actionable suggestions received from stakeholders, according to an official statement.

 

The Media and Communication Plan of all ministries of the government must include community radio to leverage their deeper ground level penetration, he said.

Khare also said that a compendium of programmes running on community radio stations across the country released by Union minister Prakash Javadekar on the second day of the Sammelan will be distributed to all district collectors to sensitise them for utilisation of communication radio in their local communication endeavours.

The Department of Telecommunications has agreed to dedicate two additional frequencies -- 89.6 and 90.0 MHz -- for running community radio Stations, he said.

Khare also announced that the 'National Sammelan' would now be held annually, along with 'Regional Sammelans' in different corners of the country.

Asserting that the Ministry's aim to set up at least one community radio station in each district, starting with aspirational districts, Khare expressed hope of spread of a community radio movement in the country.

I&B Additional Secretary Atul Kumar Tiwari said the development of a vibrant culture of community radio will help in greater information dissemination at the grassroots level which will result in further empowerment of people.