Decrying as ‘outdated and foolish’ Prasar Bharati Corporation’s rule prohibiting private FM radio and community radio from airing news, former Union Minister P Chidambaram said the day is not far off when the curbs would be lifted.
Addressing after inaugurating ‘Kadal Osai FM 90.4’, a community radio service launched by Nesakarangal Trust for the benefit of the fisher folk here on Saturday, he said it was ridiculous that when private satellite television channels were allowed to telecast news and people had free access to news on social media, FM and community radios were not allowed to do so.
The Supreme Court had asked why the prohibition on FM radio stations and community radios from airing their own news and current affairs on a par with private television channels and print media continued.
While the general belief was that airwaves were government property, the apex court, in a landmark verdict some 15 years ago, held that airwaves were public property to be used for public good, the senior Congress leader said.
Describing as progressive and revolutionary effort the launching of ‘Kadal Osai’, a first of its kind for the benefit of the fishing community, he congratulated Armstrong Fernando for launching the service. The radio would emerge successful only if the contents of the programmes lived up to the expectations of listeners, he said.
Fishermen issue
On the long-pending fishermen issue, Mr Chidambaram said a lasting solution would be possible if the fishermen of Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu directly held talks and ironed out the differences. As a majority of the Sri Lankan fishermen were also Tamils, there was no point in prolonging the enmity, he said.
The Indian and Tamil Nadu governments should help the fishermen leaders to resume negotiations with their Sri Lankan counterparts and ensure their peaceful livelihood in the Palk Bay, he said. The fishermen issue should not be linked to Sri Lanka’s internal issues, he said.
