(a) whether the Government is earning revenue from the FM radio;
(b) if so, the revenue being received therefrom, State-wise as on date;
(c) the details of FM radio stations functioning as on date, State-wise;
(d) the average estimated cost of setting up of a FM radio station;
(e) whether the Government proposes to set up more FM radio stations;
(f) if so, the locations thereof, State-wise; and
g) the provisions made for meeting the expenditure?
THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING AND PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI P.R.DASMUNSI)
(a) & (b) Yes, Sir. Details of the revenue earned by AIR FM radio stations, state-wise, during the period 2005-06 have been indicated in the Statement at Annexure-I. The Government also earned a sum of Rs.1527 crores (approx.) from private broadcasters, the details of which have been indicated in Annexure-II.
(c) The details of the AIR stations currently functional, state-wise, have been indicated in Annexure-III. Besides, permissions have been granted to run 266 private FM channels under the Policy of expansion of FM Radio Broadcasting Services through Private agencies under the Scheme Phase I and Phase II out of which 56 stations are presently operational. Details of these 56 stations have been indicated in Annexure-IV.
(d) The average cost of setting up of a FM transmitter may vary from Rs. 10 Lakh to 11 crores depending upon the power of the transmitter (ranging from 10 KW to 20 KW) and various other factors.
(e) & (f) Seventy-five stations have been proposed under the Tenth Plan by the AIR, the details of which have been indicated in Annexure-V. Out of this, 3 FM stations have already been commissioned. Besides, 97 locations have also been identified for allotment to private broadcasters for establishment of FM stations on the basis of closed tender systems as per details given at Annexure-VI.
(g) So far as Private FM Radio is concerned, the entire expenditure for establishment of the radio station is borne by the Private FM operators. As regards AIR FM, the expenditure is to be met out from approved plan fund during the financial year of the annual plan based on phasing of expenditure.