Question : FUNCTIONING OF FM RADIOS STATIONS

(a) whether the Government proposes to frame any new guidelines with regard to the functioning of FM radios/stations and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the All India Radio (AIR) proposes to start/set up new radio stations and FM services at various places including Belgaum apart from the existing ones and if so, the details thereof, State/UT-wise;

(c) whether the Government has received representations/applications for seeking licenses to start FM channel services/broadcasting stations;

(d) if so, the details thereof along with the action taken by the Government thereon during the last three years and the current year, State/UT-wise; and

(e) the details of pending representations/applications and the time by which they are likely to be cleared, State/UT-wise?

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

(a) No, Sir. However, the policy on expansion of FM Radio broadcasting services through private agencies (Phase-III) was approved by the Government on 7th July, 2011.

(b) Prasar Bharati (DG:AIR) has informed that in order to start the AIR FM radio broadcast service, FM transmitters are being set up at 112 additional cities. State-wise details are given in Annexure-I.

(c) to (e); As per the policy guidelines on expansion of FM Radio services through private agencies (Phase-III), only companies registered in India are eligible to set up private FM Radio in India. Applications for grant of permission under Phase-III policy are yet to be invited by the Ministry.