Question : PRIVATE FM RADIO

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF INFORMATION & BROADCASTING (SHRI C.M. JATUA)

(a) & (b): No study has been conducted to compare the revenue earned by private FM radio stations vis-à-vis FM radio stations of All India Radio.

However, year-wise Gross Revenue of All India Radio from all sources including commercials during the last 5 years are as below:

2007-08	:	Rs.289.2100 Crores

2008-09	:	Rs.291.5954 Crores

2009-10	:	Rs.303.1879 Crores

2010-11	:	Rs.372.9664 Crores

2011-12	:	Rs.359.6519 Crores

(c): While fulfilling its mandate as a Public Service Broadcaster and at the same time to compete with other Private FM Channels, All India Radio has been making sustained efforts as under to augment its revenue:

# Changing the Programming Pattern at regular intervals to include popular programmes so as to attract more advertisements /commercials;

# Broadcasting customized and channel Driver Programmes;

# Broadcasting interactive programmes to increase direct participation of the listeners through phone-in devices and field recordings;

# Dedicated time slots for specific target audiences viz. Women & Children, Youth, Rural Community, Music Lovers, Industrial workers and the Farmers;

# Extending transmission hours to accommodate commercials;

# Entering into Media Partnership by branding AIR;

# AIR is in the process of revising/rationalizing its Rate Card to make it more competitive and revenue oriented;

# Frequent audience research surveys are being done so that programmes can be planned according to what the public desires.