An advisory has been issued by the Modi Government to the Indian radio channels to broadcast announcements of public interest for an hour every day, or else face penalties. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting released the advisory on July 6, saying that the central and state governments will dictate the announcements.
It says “The permission holder (FM radio channels) shall also broadcast public interest announcements as may be required by the central government/concerned state government for a maximum one hour per day suitable/proportional time slots interspersed during that day shall be earmarked for this purpose,” reported The Print.
It also adds that in the hour-long slot, the central government should be given a priority. As per this advisory, if any terms or conditions are violated by the operators, then the government has the right of imposing penalties as mentioned in the agreement – Grant of Permission Agreement (GOPA)/Migration Grant of Permission Agreement (MGOPA).
