Question : EXPANSION OF FM BROADCASTING SERVICES

(a) whether the Government proposes for expansion of FM Broadcasting Services through the private agencies and is considering to take up e-auction of Phase-III of FM radio services which envisages setting up of 839 FM radio channels in 294 cities;

(b) if so, the details thereof; (

(c) the number of cities and towns identified to be covered;

(d) whether the Government has received any representations for seeking permission for FM Channels;

(e) if so, the details thereof especially from Karnataka during the last three years and the current year;

(f) whether the Government has set any time frame to grant licences; and (g) if so, the details thereof?

THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING (SHRI MANISH TEWARI)

(a): Yes, Sir.

(b) & (c): The policy on expansion of FM Radio broadcasting services through private agencies (Phase-III), was approved by the Cabinet on 7th July, 2011. Phase-III policy will result in coverage of all cities/towns with a population of above one lakh (as per 2001 census). In addition, private FM radio channels will be set up in North East (NE) Region and Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) and Island territories, in border towns even where the population is less than 1 lakh. Thus, under Phase-III policy, 839 FM channels will be permitted in 294 cities through e-auction, on the lines followed by Department of Telecommunication (DOT) in the auction 3G & BWA spectrum.

For promotion of private FM radio, policy proposes inter alia (a) to enhance Foreign Direct Investment + Foreign Institutional Investor (FDI+FII) from 20% to 26%, (b) news bulletins of All India Radio (AIR) in an unaltered form has been permitted, (c) networking of channels within a broadcaster’s channel has been allowed and multiple channels in a city has also been permitted and (d) policy also proposes special incentives for North Eastern States, Jammu and Kashmir and Island territories.

(d): No, Sir.

(e): Does not arise.

(f) & (g): As per the Policy Guidelines for expansion of FM Radio broadcasting services through private agencies (Phase-III) approved by the Cabinet, e-auction under FM Radio (Phase-III) would be held in batches over a period of 3 years with the approval of the competent authority.