http://www.radioandmusic.com/content/editorial/news/air-private-fm-radio-ops-ready-expansion
The news item begins: [AIR, private FM radio ops ready for expansion The radio sector is poised for an exponential growth in India. In Phase III, a total of 806 private FM radio stations are to come up in addition to the 245 channels at present...] This is slightly puzzling: only recently I read two news items, one which said that there were 248 stations (not including those given CR licenses) and another which said the government had withdrawn 22 licenses from existing stations. Clearly, the government is still intent on playing a divide-and-rule game with private and non-governmental entities, setting them against each other for as many reasons as possible. The loser, of course, is the ordinary would-be radio listener. Separately, the government is actively toying with digital audio broadcasting. While technically, it allows for much greater efficiency in use of spectrum, the truth is we aren't using the available spectrum at all efficiently now. The licensors allot frequencies in a haphazard and opaque manner, not to mention choosing effective radiation levels that ensure conflict will happen. the fact that DAB receivers also cost a pretty penny more than the current analogue sets is also a serious factor. More efficiency, but for whom? Vickram http://communicall.wordpress.com http://vvcrishna.wordpress.com Join the Community Radio Forum. For membership details, please go to www.crforum.in
