MIB overhauls panel to monitor content on private FM, community radio

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has reconstituted the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) tasked with examining content-related complaints against private FM radio stations and community radio stations (CRSs), reinforcing regulatory oversight in the expanding radio broadcasting sector.

According to an order issued on July 15, 2026, the revamped committee will review complaints concerning violations of programme and advertisement codes applicable to private FM broadcasters operating under the Phase III policy, as well as CRSs governed by the Revised Community Radio Policy Guidelines, 2024.

The IMC will be chaired by the Additional Secretary of the MIB and comprise representatives from key ministries and institutions, including the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Women and Child Development, Department of Consumer Affairs, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), Press Council of India, Bar Council of India, and All India Radio. The Joint Secretary (Industry) will serve as a member, while a Deputy Secretary or Director in the ministry will function as Member-Convener.

The committee is empowered to examine complaints referred by the government and recommend appropriate action, including penalties, modification or deletion of content, and temporary suspension of programmes or channels in cases of non-compliance. However, the ministry clarified that the IMC’s recommendations will remain advisory, with final decisions to be taken by the Central Government after providing broadcasters an opportunity to present their case.

Under the Private FM Radio Phase III Policy, broadcasters are required to adhere to the Programme and Advertisement Code prescribed for All India Radio. Similarly, community radio stations must comply with content norms outlined in the revised policy framework issued in February 2024.

The community radio guidelines impose additional restrictions, notably prohibiting the independent production of news and current affairs content. Stations are permitted to air news bulletins only from Akashvani and must retain recordings of all broadcasts for a minimum of three months for regulatory review.

The revised framework also emphasizes stronger community engagement, mandating that at least 50 percent of programming be produced with community participation. Content is expected to focus on areas such as education, healthcare, agriculture, environmental awareness, and women’s empowerment.

The reconstitution of the IMC reflects the government’s continued focus on ensuring content compliance and accountability as India’s private FM and community radio ecosystem grows in scale and influence.
BCS Bureau