Private FM players want government to follow Canada’s example

Mumbai: Private FM players, hit hard by the Covid-19-triggered revenue collapse, have requested the Indian government to follow the example of the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) which has waived off licence fees for broadcasters for financial year 2020-21.

The waiver will help 100 radio and TV broadcasters save over 30 million Canadian dollars (₹166 crore) during FY21.

Steven Guilbeault, the minister of Canadian Heritage, said in a statement that Canadian broadcasters are working hard to fulfil the mission of sharing “credible” and “verified” information with Canadians and hence need to be supported in these trying times.