Modi Govt Approves FM Radio Rollout in 234 Underserved Cities

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 28th August. The Union Cabinet has approved the rollout of Private FM Radio in 234 new cities and towns as part of the Phase III policy. This expansion will include a third batch of e-auctions for 730 channels, with a reserve price of Rs. 784.87 crore.

Key Details:

New Auctions: The cabinet has authorized the conduct of ascending e-auctions for 730 FM radio channels across 234 new cities and towns. The Annual License Fee (ALF) for these channels will be set at 4% of gross revenue, excluding GST.

Coverage and Impact: The expansion targets areas previously underserved by FM radio, including many Aspirational districts, Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) affected zones, and border areas. This initiative aims to address the unmet demand for FM radio services in these regions.

Local Benefits: The new FM channels are expected to enhance local content, particularly in regional languages, and promote local culture. The rollout will also create new employment opportunities and support the ‘vocal for local’ movement.

Government Outreach: Establishing Private FM Radio in these areas will bolster government outreach and engagement, especially in regions with significant developmental needs.

This expansion is set to enrich local media landscapes and contribute to regional development by increasing access to FM radio services and fostering local content production.