News on private radio: Vast reach a challenge, says Rathore

Union minister Rajyavardhan Rathore today said that allowing private radio to air news as a concept is valid but the vast reach of this medium poses challenges.
Speaking at an interaction organised by Indian Women Press Corps (IWPC), Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Rathore, however, expressed hope, saying, "perhaps we are approaching a time when this will be change."
Asked why there were restrictions on private radio when TV channels could broadcast news, Rathore said that the reach of the radio is "vast" and the government wants news to go out as news is.
If news is allowed on private FM radio, there was also the case of community radio, which would have to be considered.

The government's policy for the upcoming phase III expansion of FM radio, which is expected to roll out in the coming months, allows the use of All India Radio (AIR) news bulletins on private stations but not from any other source.
In a question related to public broadcaster Prasar Bharati, he said that it is Corporation that is funded by government and that is "our only relationship with Prasar Bharati".

Asked about early morning meetings in the I&B ministry headed by secretary, where officials from Doordarshan and AIR are also present, he said in those meetings all the heads of media units related to the ministry interact informally.

Rathore also suggested that the government may soon come out with a policy for advertising on the online media. He said the Prime Minister believes that government should disseminate information online.
Rathore also said that Doordarshan's Kisan channel is likely to be launched in April.