New Delhi: Radio listeners may get to hear news after a raunchy number on private FM, if a proposal being considered by a Committee on the second phase of radio broadcasting gets the government nod.

The Information and Broadcasting Ministry is likely to accept such a recommendation since it sees no reason why news can be allowed on private television channels and not private radio, sources said.

The 10-member Committee set up by the Ministry to make recommendations for radio broadcasting for phase-II has sought a month's extension till October 30 to submit its report.

Among the proposals the Committee is looking at are, lifting the ban on news and switching over from license to a revenue-sharing regime.

Sources said the Information and Broadcasting Ministry was open-minded and was looking forward to widespread changes for a more liberal FM private radio.

The proposals would require a Cabinet approval and the Ministries of Home and External Affairs might have their say.

So far news on radio is only allowed on AIR and there are concerns about security in granting licenses for FM stations to run news bulletins.

However, there were apprehensions in the Committee about allowing round-the-clock news on private FM and most members apparently preferred only bulletins on the entertainment channels.

PTI