Cabinet Approves 3rd Batch of E-Auctions for Private FM Radio Expansion

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The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the third round of e-auctions for 730 FM radio channels. This move will expand private FM radio to 234 new cities, including many areas that previously had no coverage.

Decision Making Authority: Union Cabinet
[Supreme Decision Making Body, Government of India]
Chair: Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Cabinet Meeting Date: 28.05.2024

Expanding Private FM Radio to New Cities

1. Wider Coverage:
   The rollout will bring private FM radio services to 234 uncovered cities and towns across India.
2. Strategic Focus Areas:
   The expansion includes aspirational districts, regions affected by Left Wing Extremism (LWE), and border areas.

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Key Objectives

1. Boost Local Content:
   The move aims to enhance local content in regional languages and dialects, making radio more relevant to local communities.
2. Create Employment Opportunities:
   The expansion is expected to generate new job opportunities, especially in smaller cities and towns.

E-Auction Details

1. Channels Available:
   730 FM channels will be auctioned across these new cities.
2. Reserve Price:
   The estimated reserve price for these channels is ₹787.87 crore.
3. License Fee:
   The annual license fee for FM channels in these 234 cities will be 4% of the gross revenue, excluding Goods and Services Tax (GST).

Socio-Economic Impact of FM Radio Expansion

1. Enhanced Radio Services:
   The expansion will provide access to free-to-air information and entertainment in local dialects and mother tongues, improving the quality of life in smaller cities and towns.
2. Effective Government Communication:
   FM radio will play a crucial role in government communication, particularly in aspirational districts and LWE-affected areas.
3. Women Empowerment:
   The initiative will create opportunities for women to participate as radio jockeys, program producers, and other roles in the radio industry.

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Coverage Across States and Union Territories

The new FM channels will cover a wide range of states and union territories, including:

Name of the State	Number of Cities
Andhra Pradesh	22
Assam	6
Bihar	18
Gujarat	8
Haryana	9
Karnataka	16
Madhya Pradesh	20
Maharashtra	11
Odisha	6
Punjab	9
Rajasthan	19
Tamil Nadu	11
Telangana	10
Uttar Pradesh	32
West Bengal	13
Chhattisgarh	3
Jharkhand	6
Kerala	2
Mizoram	1
Meghalaya	1
Manipur	1
Nagaland	3
Tripura	1
Uttarakhand	2

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Union Territories

Name of the Union Territory	Number of Cities
Andaman & Nicobar	1
Daman	1
Jammu & Kashmir	1
Lakshadweep	1

The Cabinet's approval of the third batch of e-auctions for private FM radio channels marks a significant step in expanding radio services to underserved areas. By focusing on local content and employment opportunities, this initiative will have a positive socio-economic impact on smaller cities and towns across India.