Yes, almost anything the government does in the context of free speech (or, for
that matter, freedom) is amusing, if not downright hilarious.
But, I wonder how this working group proposes to coordinate news across the
country. Could they have envisaged networking a gaggle of local stations? Don't
they know that they themselves banned such networking, one of the major factors
braking the development of community level broadcasting in India, since it
prevents our channels from sharing their learning effectively. I must say, I am
delighted to hear they plan to institute some means of monitoring content as it
is being broadcast - that will both increase employment across the country and
help us all understand what vulgar means in hundreds of different languages,
plus of course generate a vast amount of business for lawyers. The economy is
sure to boom once all those unfortunates get work.
I also assume this means that radio is now going to become a state or even
district subject, unless the ministry intends to post its secretaries out to
the districts to work.
://communicall.wordpress.com
http://vvcrishna.wordpress.com
>________________________________
> From: N.Ramakrishnan <[email protected]>
>To: "[email protected]" <[email protected]>
>Sent: Thursday, 25 October 2012, 9:30
>Subject: [cr-india] "I&B Ministry to increase control over FM radio content"
>(Source: MM Network)
>
>Funny how the word 'control' underlines everything to do with FM radio,
>commercial or otherwise.
>The AIR code, of course, includes such gems as the exhortation to not say
>anything negative about 'friendly neighbouring countries', which should make
>us feel relatively safe, because that's an oxymoron.
>I love the part about the need for a 'nationwide news and current affairs FM
>channel', in one fell swoop removing the 'local' in local radio.
>Read and weep.
>Ramakrishnan
>
>General Secretary, CRF
>
>
>****************
>I&B Ministry to increase control over FM radio content
>October 23, 2012
>Source: MM Network
>By: MediaMughals
>
>The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) is considering of evolving
>a mechanism to monitor the contents aired by private FM radio channels.
>
>Electronic Media Monitoring Centre (EMMC) of the I&B Ministry has specified
>that the EMMC will not only monitor the contents aired by TV channels but also
>those of private FM channels and community radio channels. A working group set
>up by the Planning Commission to prepare the Ministry’s 12th Five Year Plan
>has suggested the government to strengthen the capacity of the EMMC.
>
>At a programme on Monday, Uday Kumar, Secretary, I&B, hinted that the system
>would come into place from the beginning of the 12th Five Year Plan.
>
>Further the Ministry has taken umbrage at the manner in which some private FM
>channels broadcast ‘vulgar and objectionable content’ especially during the
>night hour.
>
>Reiterating that the FM channels are duty bound under the Grant of Permission
>Agreement (GOPA) to follow the Programme and Advertising Codes being followed
>by All India Radio, the Ministry advised all channels to strictly adhere to
>these Codes and not air anything in violation of the Codes.
>
>The government has recently announced policy guidelines on the expansion of FM
>radio broadcasting which will extend radio’s reach to 294 towns and 839
>stations.
>
>Meanwhile, the Working Group has also suggested that the government should pay
>special attention to improve FM coverage in the 12th plan. At least, one
>dedicated nationwide news and current affairs FM channel should be introduced.
>It also suggested the government to consider introducing dedicated FM channels
>for classical music and other cultural programmes.
>
>-- N.Ramakrishnan
>
>Director of Projects
>Ideosync Media Combine
>177, Ashoka Enclave III
>Sector 35, Faridabad - 121 003
>Haryana - India
>
>Tel: +91-0129-4131883/4064883/4065883/6510156
>Mobile: +91-9810273883
>Web: www.ideosyncmedia.org
>
>Join the Community Radio Forum. For membership details, please go to
>www.crforum.in
>
>
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