The Sectoral Innovation Council set by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting , has recommended a National Media Policy. It calls for developing an alternative to Television Audience Measurement-TAM ratings, relook into broadcast licensing procedures and regulation of media education in the country.

The Ministry in its statement has said that the council headed by former Secretary Asha Swarup today submitted its report to the Information and Broadcasting Minister Mrs Ambika Soni in New Delhi. Speaking on the occasion, Mrs Soni said that that the issues deliberated upon by the Council would be looked into and the recommendations would act as a roadmap for the future.

In its recommendations, the council has sought a comprehensive media policy that integrates all existing media segments and addresses the emergent issues.It has also asked the government to look into the existing licensing procedures and requirements to ensure further liberalisation and reforms in the broadcasting sector.

The council in its report has held that content innovation is required in the radio segment which would be possible only if the government comes up with a separate licensing model for niche channels. The report has also suggested arrangements under which Community Radio stations would be able to provide content to All India Radio( which could provide training in content creation, management and operation of stations to the staff of these channels.

AIR correspondent reports, the Sectoral Innovation Council was set up in July last year as part of the Government's initiative of declaring 2010- 2020 as the Decade of Innovation