Govt approves roll out of private FM radio in 234 new cities
MIB said that the move will lead to more employment opportunities, boost local dialect and culture, and drive ‘vocal for local’ initiatives
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the proposal to conduct third batch of ascending e-auctions for 730 channels in 234 new cities with estimated reserve price of Rs. 784.87 crore under private FM radio Phase Ill Policy.
The Cabinet also approved the proposal to charge Annual License Fee (ALF) of FM channels as 4% of Gross Revenue excluding Goods and Services Tax (GST). This will be applicable for 234 new cities and towns.
The private FM radio rollout in 234 new cities and towns will fulfil the unmet demand for FM radio in these areas, which still remain uncovered by private FM radio broadcasting and bring new and local content in mother tongue.
It will lead to creation of new employment opportunities, boost to local dialect and culture and ‘vocal for local’ initiatives, said the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting release.
Many of the approved cities and towns are in aspirational districts and Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected areas. Setting up of private FM radio in these areas will further strengthen Government outreach in these areas.
