Government To Soon Conduct E-Auction of 808 FM Radio Stations: Anurag Thakur

The government is soon set to conduct an e-auction of 808 FM radio stations across 284 cities to expand the footprint of radio communication, said Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur on Sunday. The decision has been taken to expand radio's reach further.

Addressing the Regional Community Radio Sammelan (North), Thakur said that the government has relaxed the processes for securing a license to operate radio stations, especially community radio, by doing away with the number of compliances.

The minister said that India currently has 388 FM radio stations in 113 cities across 26 states and five Union Territories.

"Government is now planning a third batch of e-auction of 808 channels across 284 cities soon to further expand radio services," Thakur said.

He said the government is setting up radio towers in remote areas to boost coverage.

The government plans to expand the FM network in Tier-II and Tier-III cities with a focus on aspirational and Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected districts.

Earlier this year, the government approved the Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development scheme which is expected to increase the coverage of AIR FM transmitters to 66% by geographical area and 80% by population up from 59% and 68% respectively.

The scheme also involves the free distribution of over eight lakh DD Free Dish set-top boxes to people residing in remote, tribal, LWE affected and border areas.