<P>
On Fri, 15 Oct 2004 Subramaniam Vincent wrote :<BR>
>On the topic of TRAI wanting a definition of community radio: I think<BR>
>it’s a good thing that the Chairman is asking these questions, because<BR>
>that means he ... is actually >thinking about it<BR>
<BR>
Dear Subbu,<BR>
<BR>
Months before the May 2004 workshop, we came out with a draft CR Policy which attempts a reasonable definition of 'Community' and 'Community Radio'. This 'consensus document' (as Dr.Vinod Pavarala elegantly calls his creation) was circulated during the May workshop.<BR>
<BR>
1.1. Definition of Community: Community may be defined as a non-sectarian group of individuals who are territorially-bound and share a common socio-economic position/interest; for the purpose of community radio, the ‘community’ is constituted by those who reside within the coverage area of the radio station.<BR>
<BR>
1.2. Definition of Community Radio: Community radio has three key aspects: non-profit making, community ownership and management, and community participation. Community radio is distinguished by its limited local reach, low-power transmission, and programming content that reflects the educational, developmental and cultural needs of the specific community it serves.<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
>Also, TRAI does seem to be particularly aware of the difference between >program underwriting and advertising. In India, there is little >experience of the latter, in radio. <BR>
<BR>
The Ministry of I&B is also quite aware of the difference between programme underwriting (which we call sponsorship) and advertising, and they have banned both in the existing guidelines. <BR>
"4.9: The licensee shall not air any advertisement or sponsored programmes."<BR>
<BR>
In practical terms, the difference between sponsorship and advertising is so negligible as to be non-existent. However, we ought to make a clear distinction between broadcast revenue and non-broadcast revenue, and it is a moot point whether the Govt. can expect a 4% share of revenue from off-air activities like the sale of CDs and mementos, donations, ticket-sales from concerts and what-have-you.<BR>
<BR>
Sajan.
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