New Delhi: Government on August 18 said private radio is not permitted to broadcast news and current affairs.

Following a complaint received through the chief executive officer (CEO) of Prasar Bharati on June 11, 2002 regarding broadcasting of news and current affairs on private FM Channel in Mumbai, the matter was taken up with the company, Information and Broadcasting Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said in a written reply.

In its response, the company said it had happened inadvertently and they had taken measures to ensure this is not repeated.

Central monitoring services of the Ministry had also been asked to monitor Radio Mirchy, 93.5 RED FM and Radio City private FM channels on July 19 and July 20, 2003, the Minister said.

He said monitoring is being done by the Information and Broadcasting ministry to ensure that the terms and conditions of licence agreement are adhered to.

PTI