News and current affairs programmes on radio are vital for the future of any democracy. However, India could be the only democracy in the world where the government still controls news on private radio channels. The government’s control over the program content on radio is a major obstacle to achieving an independent media ecosystem. Similarly, the lack of information-related programme content on these platforms could make private FM radio an outdated medium in the years to come. This paper attempts to understand the importance of democratising radio news in India. Further, it also offers an understanding of the discussions on radio news in India and the need for news and current affairs programmes on private FM radio.
