Govt to waive off spectrum fee for community radio

Community radio services (CRS) play a vital role in building vibrant communities, in mobilising groups to action by informing and empowering citizens

The government has decided to waive off spectrum fee for community radio. The telecom ministry will soon evolve detailed guidelines to ensure that the spectrum is optimally used and the channels use these airwaves only to inform and empower the common man, said a government statement.

Community radio services (CRS) play a vital role in building vibrant communities, in mobilizing groups to action by informing and empowering citizens, in giving voice to the marginalized groups of society, and in bringing community needs to the attention of local and even national governments. It can prove to be an excellent tool for managing plurality in a society and for fostering democracy.

 

“It was felt that in the interest of inclusive and informed society, it is apt that government provide the spectrum (airwaves) for CRS at zero cost. Although this may result in an opportunity cost of not more than Rs 25 lakh to the government, the cost is far outweighed by the benefit of informed, empowered and inclusive local communities and the nation,” the statement said.

Community radio is one of the thrust areas for the information and broadcasting ministry.  As on February this year, the ministry had issued 363 permissions to set up such stations in the country. Out of this, 126 stations have become operational while others are in the pipeline.

Community radio focuses on low cost and low return pattern of operations. Donor funding is crucial for CRS. As most of the donors come from local communities, this financing option is inadequate and irregular for CRS operating in remote areas and for the marginalized sections of the society.