TRAI releases consultation paper on community radio
The telecom regulator has released a consultation paper on issues relating to community radio. It refers to key issues like the rationale for community radio, present framework and progress of the scheme, issues relating to eligibility, licensing process, funding of community radio station and regulation and monitoring of the radio stations.
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released a consultation paper on issues relating to community radio. The Consultation Paper dwells on key issues like the rationale for community radio, present framework and progress of the scheme, issues relating to eligibility, licensing process, funding of community radio station and regulation and monitoring of community radio stations.
As far as the licensing process is concerned, TRAI is seeking feedback on issues such as whether the applicants may be given temporary permits to operate for the time taken to grant a regular license. There is also the issue on whether an independent licensing body should be set up to examine, evaluate and decide on the applications for community radio licensing. The regulator is also examining as to whether the need to furnish a bank guarantee could be done away with.
Earlier, TRAI had released a consultation paper on issues relating to the second phase of private FM radio broadcasting on April14. It had received a number of responses on the paper relating to issues on the need for expansion of community radio.
