Radio operators body bats for Red FM

Asks PM to intervene to ensure the radio station doens't shut down

The Association of Radio Operators for India (AROI) today strongly batted for Red FM, saying the home minsitry's refusal to issue security clearance to the operator is worrying.

Red FM is part of the the Sun Group, which has been denied security clearance by the Home Ministry.

"This would result in loss of employment of a few thousand direct employees, complete erosion of wealth created by this brand as well as loss of infotainment source for citizens in over 45 cities and towns in India," said Uday Chawla, secretary General, AROI.

In letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and Information & Broadcasting minister Prakash Javadekar, Chawla said, "We are surprised that these stations face closure, due to a pending investigation against the major shareholder. It may be pertinent to point out that no conviction has yet been made and that denial of security clearance without a court conviction would create a dangerous precedent. 

"Imagine if leaders in politics, businesses and other institutions are to lose their positions basis unproven complaints. This could lead to anarchy. We object to media being singled out as an exception as even politicians holding highly sensitive government positions do continue till proven guilty, even when there are serious charges against them," said the Association.

Over more than a decade of existence of Red FM, AROI has not received or is aware of, any action by Red FM which resulted in any threat to national security, claimed the Association, adding that it has received various awards from the Government.

".......we see no reason why Red FM should be treated as a national security threat. Regarding complaints against specific individuals, law will definitely take its own course and justice done. Destruction of wealth, without any purpose, is not justice," it said.