This is ridiculous! Absolutely ridiculous! …Right off the bat, this seems wrong!–Saritha Thomas, People’s Power
Fees for spectrum that belongs to the people? What next? Fees for breathing air?–Rajen Varada, Technology for People
We all must oppose this. Government should support CR Stations to become financially sustainable rather than charging fee. Actually we should demand for zero fee.–Rakesh Pandey: Shramik Bharti & Waqt Ki Awaaz!
Let’s keep the pressure and the follow up and certainly the fee hike will be rolled back.–Pankaj Athawale, MUST Radio
I would like every CRF member to seriously consider that unless we take a strong enough collective stand, even a nominal shutting down of broadcast for a day will not move the mandarins of Sanchar Bhavan. Their attitude in handing out of frequencies to the CR sector, issuing WOLs and even holding up licenses when it suited them is really a build up to a very dim future for all of us.–Arti Jaiman, Gurgaon Ki Awaz
The hike in spectrum fee serves no purpose other than being a deterrent for any grassroots organizations wishing to start a CR station. How would any change in CR policy make any difference if communities are not able to afford/pay the spectrum fee and continue to broadcast?–Kanchan K. Malik, University of Hyderabad
We have decided to continue to pay the old rate, until informed otherwise by CRA. This is because CRA is already negotiating with the Union Government on the matter.–
Community Radio Association of India
We as CRF totally oppose it, and will fight tooth and nail against this hike. This hike will hamper the growth of CR station in India will affect the ongoing Community Radio Movement in India very badly.–Community Radio Forum
The true meaning of CR will be lost. The CR will not be for those for whom we advocated. Where is the money and where are the donors to promote CR the way Govt wants? The journey of so many years to get CR approval for those who need the most should not go waste!
We have to help raise the voice again. —Geeta Malhotra, One World South Asia
Let’s go to Delhi. Let’s meet Soniamma if necessary and tell her we can’t pay the spectrum fee.–Women of Sangham Radio, Pastapur
What if all the stations decide to stop paying any spectrum fee? Will the government shut down all the 100-odd Community Radio stations?–Vasuki Belavadi,
University of Hyderabad
