TRAI Issues Recommendations on Issues Related to Community Radio Stations

The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released its recommendations on “Issues related to Community Radio Stations.” The recommendations were made in response to a request from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) to provide its suggestions on several issues related to Community Radio Stations (CRS). The TRAI Act, 1997, under sections 11(1)(a)(ii) and 11(1)(d), mandates the authority to provide its recommendations on such issues.

The issues that were put forward by the MIB were related to the inclusion of not-for-profit companies registered under Section 8 of Companies Act 2013, increasing the permission period from five to ten years, the maximum duration of advertisement per hour of broadcast on CRS, and the number of CR Stations operated in each district of operation by not-for-profit organizations.

After considering the opinions and comments of stakeholders, TRAI has finalized its recommendations. The salient features of the recommendations are as follows:

Non-profit companies established under Section 8 of Companies Act 2013 are already covered in the extant eligibility criteria for CRS.
The existing criteria prescribed in MIB guidelines barring certain types of entities from setting up Community Radio Stations are equally applicable to Section 8 companies.
Religious bodies are disqualified from owning broadcasting channels, including Community Radio Station.
The initial period of permission should be increased from five (5) years to ten (10) years.
Present policy guidelines for extension/renewal of CRS licenses are adequate and should continue to be the same.
Community Radio Stations will be required to obtain a continued service report from the SDM of the concerned district for the grant of license extension.
The duration of advertisement on a CRS should be increased from seven (7) minutes per hour to twelve (12) minutes per hour.
Not-for-profit organizations, operating in multiple districts, should be allowed to set up multiple CRS in their area of operation.
An organization should be allowed to set up a maximum of six CRS throughout the country.
An organization seeking to set up multiple stations should submit an undertaking confirming that the programs will be prepared locally and not sent from other CRS.
MIB may actively pursue with Central and State Governments to sponsor more programs on CRS for helping CRS in their sustainability.
All the universities of Central/State Governments may be provided budgetary support to establish and operate Community Radio Stations.
All the processes for granting CRS should be made online through a single window system.
SACFA clearance should be granted within one month of application.
Grant of WOL license should also have a prescribed period, preferably within one month of application.

In conclusion, the TRAI’s recommendations on “Issues related to Community Radio Stations” will pave the way for an inclusive, accessible, and robust community radio ecosystem in India. The MIB is expected to consider the TRAI’s recommendations and take appropriate steps to implement them.