The Information & Broadcasting Ministry has warned private FM radio stations against violation of licensing conditions by airing news and current affairs content even in snippet form. The I&B ministry’s warning note came after it noticed that some private FM radio channels were airing news snippets and current affairs in violation of rules for FM radio operators.

“These violations have been viewed very seriously by the Ministry.

“As per the policy, news and current affairs are not allowed to be broadcast by private FM channel in any manner,” official sources said here.

Any news snippets and current affairs violates the provisions incorporated in clause 1.4 and 23.4 of Grant of Permission Agreement signed by private operators with the government, the sources from the ministry said.