Prakash Javedkar says There are plans to raise community Radio Network

New Delhi: Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar said today that he is keen to increase the air time for advertisements to 12 minutes per hour from the current 7 minutes per hour to bring community radio on par with TV channels.

Mr. Javadekar was addressing the listeners of all the community radio stations broadcasting at the same time under a specific initiative. The telecast took place between 7 pm and 7:30 pm today in two identical slots.

Javadekar said that while 75 per cent of the expenditure incurred during the establishment of community radio is borne by the Ministry and includes major expenses, the expenses of daily operations are borne by the station.

The Minister of Information and Broadcasting pointed out that currently community radio stations are allowed 7 minutes per hour of air time for advertising, while TV channels allow 12 minutes of air time.

He said he is keen to provide equal time to all radio stations so that they do not need to ask for funds and local advertisements can be broadcast on community radio stations.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Javadekar said that community radio is a community in itself. Describing them as 'carriers of change', the Minister of Information and Broadcasting said that these stations reach millions of people daily and the ministry will soon come up with a plan to increase the number of such radio stations.

Prakash Javadekar said that we will drive it away like we have driven away other diseases. However, he said that now there are new types of situations, which include 4 steps i.e. stay home as much as possible, wash your hands frequently, put on masks in public places and maintain social distance.

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