(a) whether there is a constant increase in the number of FM channels in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof during each of the last three years, State-wise;
(c) whether the Government is contemplating to form a separate Regulatory Board for the same;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the time by when the said Board is likely to be set up?
THE MINISTER OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING AND
PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS (SHRI P. R. DASMUNSI)
(a) & (b) Yes, Sir. The details are indicated in Annexure-I and Annexure-II in respect of All India Radio FM
channels and Private FM channels respectively.
(c)to(e) The Draft Broadcasting Bill, 2007, presently under consultation with stakeholders, among other things,
has a provision to set up a Broadcasting Regulatory Authority of India (BRAI). Services falling under the ambit
of the Authority include radio-broadcasting services also. Apart from BRAI, there is no proposal specifically for
FM radio.