Current Affairs - National - Discussion

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting mandated that all operational private FM radio channels in India must broadcast at least 20% of their daily content in the local language of the city they serve. The initiative aims to promote regional languages, preserve local culture, traditions, and folk music, and strengthen community engagement. Announced on July 24, 2026, the policy applies to 386 operational private FM channels. It is part of the Phase-III FM expansion policy, which also encourages broadcasting in aspirational districts and Left Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected areas while supporting faster infrastructure rollout through the use of Prasar Bharati towers.