wo steps forward, one step back. That would succinctly sum up the history of radio in India. As in some other sectors, government policy has been dictated by conflict: a desire to open up clashing with a desire to protect a government institution, in this case All India Radio (AIR).

For example, the first feeble opening of the air waves to the private sector happened in the mid-'90s when companies were given time slots on AIR where they could manage both content as well as marketing. It was presumed that increasingly more slots would be given to the private players. However, just when it looked like the experiment was working, the scheme was abruptly withdrawn.... more