Government on Wednesday indicated that it was not averse to the broadcast of news and current affairs programme on FM channels, provided there is a "monitoring mechanism" in place.

An indication in this regard was given by Minister of Information and Broadcasting P R Dasmunsi, who acknowledged that there has been pressing demand from the radio broadcasters to let them air news along with entertainment and gossip.

"We do not straightaway oppose the broadcast of news and current affairs in the FM Radio but we may have to find a selective monitoring mechanism," he said.

The minister said the matter was "under consideration" and the Centre would like to have the view of the state governments on this issue. He was chairing a meeting of state information minister in New Delhi.

The government's stand assumes significance against the backdrop of a stern warning issued to certain FM stations a fortnight ago for their attempts to air news and current affairs programmes in overt or covert way.

The existing FM policy bars private radio broadcasters from airing news and current affairs.

Dasmunsi acknowledged that there has been "a great demand" for allowing news and current affairs in private FM channels.

"The government did not allow news and current affairs programmes since there is no effective and established system to monitor the FM stations," Dasmunsi said.