Union Cabinet Approves Private FM Radio Expansion to 234 New Cities

Union Cabinet Approves Expansion of Private FM Radio to 234 New Cities

The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the rollout of Private FM Radio to 234 uncovered cities and towns across India. This decision is part of the third batch of ascending e-auctions under the Private FM Radio Phase III Policy. The government has set an estimated reserve price of Rs. 784.87 crore for 730 new FM radio channels. This strategic move aims to enhance local content in various regional languages and create new job opportunities, especially in remote and underserved areas.

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Enhancing Local Content and Employment Opportunities

The expansion of Private FM Radio is expected to boost local content in regional languages, helping to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of different regions. Additionally, this initiative is anticipated to generate significant employment opportunities, particularly in aspirational districts and regions affected by Left Wing Extremism (LWE). The decision reflects the government’s commitment to the “vocal for local” initiative by encouraging the use of local dialects and cultures through FM radio channels.

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New Areas Covered Under the Expansion

A total of 234 new cities and towns, including many in aspirational districts and LWE-affected areas, will benefit from this rollout. This will include locations in Andaman & Nicobar, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Daman & Diu, Gujarat, Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, and Uttar Pradesh.

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New Licensing Fees and E-auction Details

The government has also approved an Annual License Fee (ALF) for the FM channels, which will be set at 4% of the Gross Revenue, excluding the Goods and Services Tax (GST). This fee structure will apply to all 234 newly covered cities and towns.

The third batch of ascending e-auctions is a crucial part of the government’s strategy to increase the reach and impact of FM radio across India. The auctions will include 730 new FM radio channels, and the list of available channels in various cities and towns is extensive:

Andhra Pradesh: Cities like Kakinada, Kurnool, Machilipatnam, and others will have between 3 to 4 FM channels available for auction.
Assam: Cities like Dibrugarh, Jorhat, and Nagaon will each have 3 FM channels.
Bihar: Key cities like Bhagalpur and Gaya will have up to 4 channels.
Gujarat: Cities including Amreli, Bhuj, and Dahod will each have 3 channels.
Karnataka: Cities like Belgaum, Bellary, and Bijapur will have 3 to 4 channels.
Madhya Pradesh: Major cities like Betul, Chhindwara, and Rewa will have 3 to 4 channels.
Maharashtra: Cities like Chandrapur, Gondiya, and Malegaon will have 3 to 4 channels.
Punjab: Cities like Ludhiana, Moga, and Muktsar will have 3 to 4 channels.
Rajasthan: Cities such as Alwar, Bhilwara, and Jodhpur will have 3 to 4 channels.
Tamil Nadu: Cities like Coonoor, Dindigul, and Thanjavur will each have 3 channels.
Uttar Pradesh: Cities including Mathura, Mirzapur, and Moradabad will have 3 to 4 channels.

Strategic Importance and Government Outreach

The introduction of Private FM Radio in these new areas is poised to strengthen government outreach efforts in regions that have been previously underserved by mass communication channels. It will also provide a platform for local talent and content creators to reach a broader audience, fostering community engagement and awareness. This initiative will empower local communities by providing access to a medium that speaks directly to their needs and concerns.

Conclusion

The expansion of Private FM Radio is a significant step toward inclusivity in media and communication. It aligns with the government’s vision to promote local culture, support regional languages, and create employment opportunities in diverse regions of India. The 3rd batch of ascending e-auctions is set to play a crucial role in bridging the communication gap in several new cities and towns across the country.

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