I&B Ministry issues notice for e-auction of 266 private FM Radio channels

The e-auction will take place in 92 cities in the second batch of FM Phase III. The second batch consists of 227 channels in 69 new cities

BestMediaInfo Bureau | Mumbai | June 21, 2016

The Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on June 20 issued a notice inviting applications for e-auction of 266 FM radio channels in 92 cities in the second batch of the private FM phase-III scheme.

The second batch consists of 227 channels in 69 new cities besides 39 channels in 23 existing cities. Out of 69 new cities taken up for auction in the second batch, 20 cities with 80 channels have a population of 3 to10 lakh. 38 cities with 114 channels have a population of 1 to 3 lakh whereas 11 cities in border areas of Jammu and Kashmir and North Eastern states have a population of up to one lakh having 33 channels.

The notice states the eligibility criteria, application procedures, reserve prices of channels, frequencies available for selection, auction rules, etc.

Applications have to be submitted latest by 5 pm on August 1, 2016. The Government will then shortlist applicants who meet the eligibility criteria for participation in the auction.

The notice for the second batch of private FM Phase III will further the process of expansion of FM Radio broadcasting services through private agencies. The process began with the notification of FM Phase III Policy guidelines on July 25, 2011 which was modified on January 21, 2015.

E-auction of the first batch commenced on July 27, 2015 and was over on September 9, 2015. 91 channels were sold in 54 cities in this batch.

The first batch comprised vacant channels in existing cities only. Hence, the operationalisation of channels in new cities taken up in the second batch will lead to actual geographical expansion of private FM radio.

Of the 266 channels on offer, special incentives are being provided to 36 channels in 14 cities in Jammu and Kashmir and North Eastern states. The FM Phase III policy exudes the Government's thrust for concerted development of the North Eastern states and J&K and provides much-needed support to the FM radio broadcasting services in cities of these regions. Annual fee of the channels in these areas is at half the rates for the first three years. Besides, Prasar Bharati infrastructure will be provided at half the lease rentals.

List of FM Channels put on Bid in the Second Batch of Phase-III of Private FM Radio Broadcasting

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