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Community Media/MARAA/Community Radio/CR Policy

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Work in progress, expect frequent changes. Help and feedback is welcome. See discussion page.

1 Introduction
- 1.1 Latest list of Letter of Intent (LOI) Holders
- 1.2 Salient points on CR Policy
2 Process of Application

Introduction

Community Radio in India was officially recognized by the Government of India in 2002 when a policy was released. However, this policy recognized only educational institutions as communities, thereby disallowing other community groups to apply for their own community radio stations.

In November 2006, a new policy was released which catered to educational institutions, non government organizations, as well as agricultural institutions/centers.

Latest list of Letter of Intent (LOI) Holders

At present there are 76 LOI Holders, as on 3rd July 2008. The list can be seen here

Salient points on CR Policy

According to the latest policy, gazetted in early 2007, there are three groups who are eligible to apply for a community radio station. These are: Non profit institutions who are registered for more than three years; educational institutions and Agricultural University/Centre.

A license shall be granted for a maximum of 100 Watts, ERP, to be achieved through maximum 50 watt transmitter and antenna mounted at maximum 30 meters above ground level. In special circumstances, Government may provide 250 W ERP, to be decided on a case to case basis.

At least 50% of the content must be locally produced using local languages/dialects

A maximum of 5 minutes is permitted per hour. Local products to be promoted.

Broadcast of news is prohibited

Radio station must be based on the principles of community participation and management

No radio station can attach the word FM to its name. It must call itself Community Radio.

Only once license to be granted per institution/organization

License is non-transferable

Programs must be for 4-8 hours and must be for the development of the defined community.

License is valid for a period of five (5) years, after which it can be renewed.

Process of Application

Step 1: Download application form from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting website. Also available here

Step 2: After you receive a Letter of Intent (LOI) from the Ministry of Information of Broadcasting, you should apply for a SACFA and frequency clearance. The application should be made online at the WPC website. This should be followed up by submitting the same along with a map (obtained from District Administration), and a Demand Draft of 1000 Rupees.

Step 3: After the SACFA clearance, you should apply for a Grant of Permission Agreement (GOPA), with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting or also available [here]

Step 4: After getting the GOPA, you should apply for the Wireless Operating License (WOL), from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, which is valid for a period of five years.

(: If you happen to be an educational institution, the process will take about six (6) months, and if you are an NGO, then it may take up to a year or little more. The time line for Agricultural University is still unclear.)