News Broadcasting
Non-Commercial Channels
The PBS (Public Broadcast Service in the USA) model and the BBC model for non-commercial channels are widely followed abroad, where the programmes are funded by various organisations.
The Committee proposes a similar model wherein, out of the four per cent revenue share that the Government would receive from the FM broadcasters, one per cent point of the revenue share should be set apart as a separate fund dedicated for the purpose of developing the non-commercial channels (related to a wide range of areas such as culture and heritage of India, public health etc.). The resources which will accumulate in this fund will be sought by private broadcasters to develop non-commercial channels and programmes, in accordance with the directions of a Committee of eminent personalities of the nation formed by the Government. The funds should be disbursed through transparent rules and regulations framed for this purpose by the esteemed Committee. There would be a yearly audit of the broadcaster and the audit report would be presented to the Committee.
Such non-commercial channels will be initially required in all A+, A and B category towns, followed by its expansion in other cities in the future.
Considering the fact that the number of commercial channels are already limited, it is suggested that additional frequencies be released at the earliest for the above non-commercial channels.
