The Indian government has allowed state broadcasters All India Radio and Doordarshan to broadcast their news and current affairs shows on satellite radio, reports The Times of India. The decision is part of the draft policy prepared by the Information and Broadcasting Ministry and Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).
Satellite radio service refers to distribution of single or multi channel radio programmes by using a satellite system which provides encrypted digital radio signals direct to the subscribers' receiver sets.
The decision to restrict the dissemination of news to only the version aired by the state broadcasters shows government's anxiety to play safe while relaxing its monopoly over radio news and current affairs, the newspaper says.
TRAI has also recommended auctioning licences for satellite radio services if the number of eligible applicants exceeds the number of licences being offered, depending on the availability of spectrum and satellite.
It has suggested that the licence could be for a period of 10 years initially, with provision for further extension for 10 years. The licensee will have to pay an annual fee of four percent of its gross revenue.
The draft guidelines also state that the licensee must roll out the service within one year of getting the licence.
Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU)
Satellite radio service refers to distribution of single or multi channel radio programmes by using a satellite system which provides encrypted digital radio signals direct to the subscribers' receiver sets.
The decision to restrict the dissemination of news to only the version aired by the state broadcasters shows government's anxiety to play safe while relaxing its monopoly over radio news and current affairs, the newspaper says.
TRAI has also recommended auctioning licences for satellite radio services if the number of eligible applicants exceeds the number of licences being offered, depending on the availability of spectrum and satellite.
It has suggested that the licence could be for a period of 10 years initially, with provision for further extension for 10 years. The licensee will have to pay an annual fee of four percent of its gross revenue.
The draft guidelines also state that the licensee must roll out the service within one year of getting the licence.
Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU)