TRAI The deadline for submitting views on community radio stations has been extended by 2 weeks

Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has granted more time to stakeholders to present their views on the issue of allowing non-profit companies to set up community radio stations (CRS). . In a consultation paper on ‘Issues Relating to Community Radio Stations’, the broadcasting regulator also sought views on increasing the radio station’s license period from the current five years. at up 10 years.

The MALE originally asked stakeholders to submit their views by August 17 and objected by August 31. Now extended the comment submission date to August 31 and objected to comments. before September 14.

CRS serves the local and well-defined community, focusing on the day-to-day concerns of its audience and meeting their specific information and entertainment needs.

According to data provided to TRAI by 52 CRS operators, 16 of them do not play any ads, while 32 operators run ads for five minutes or less every hour.

The consultations also seek views on increasing the maximum ad duration per hour from the seven minutes of airtime currently available on CRS.

It also requires stakeholder views on the number of community radio stations operated by nonprofit organizations in each district, operating in multiple districts.

In 2013, the government introduced a plan, ”Supporting the Community Radio Movement in India”, to provide financial support to strengthen new and existing CRS.

The scheme is expected to support CRS with resources, capacity and technology to promote growth, especially in remote and rural areas, to promote socio-economic development and community culture.

Any CRS operating on 1 April last year and having completed three months of operation is eligible for a one-time financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh.