(a) the number of FM radio stations set up/functional in the country,
State-wise and location-wise;
(b) whether the Government proposes to launch new FM Radio stations/services
in other parts of the country;
(c) if so, the details thereof, State-wise and location-wise;
(d) the total expenditure likely to be incurred for setting up of these new FM
radio stations/services, State-wise and location-wise; and
(e) the time by which new FM radio stations/services are likely to be functional?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING
(DR. S. JAGATHRAKSHAKAN)
(a) Prasar Bharati has informed that at present 184 AIR FM Stations are
functional in the country as per details given in Annexure-I. At 27 more places,
100 Watt FM transmitters (Relay) have already been installed and the same will be
taken into regular service on the receipt of Frequency clearance from Department of
Telecom, Ministry of Communications & IT. . The details are given at Annexure-I(A).
In addition, 245 Private FM Radio Stations (including 21 stations operationalized
under phase-I) are functioning in the country as per details given in Annexure-III
(b) Yes Sir.
(c) & (d) During the 11th Plan, FM transmitters of various capacities are being
installed by AIR at 278 more places throughout the country. The state wise list
of the places and the expenditure likely to be incurred against each place is
given in Annexure-II
In addition, expansion of FM broadcasting through Private agencies (Phase-III)
has also been approved by the Government on 07.07.2011 by which FM Radio services
has been extended to about 227 new cities, in addition to the present 86 cities
with a total of 839 new FM Radio channels.
The entire expenditure for establishment of Private FM Radio Station is borne by
themselves.The State-wise location-wise details are given in Annexure-III(A)
(e) Most of the AIR FM Stations are likely to be completed by December 2012.As
regards Private FM Radio Stations, no time frame has been fixed by the Government.