New Delhi: In a bid to enhance radio communication, the government is gearing up to conduct an e-auction of 808 FM radio stations across 284 cities, as announced by Information and Broadcasting Minister, Anurag Thakur, on Sunday.
During his address at the Regional Community Radio Sammelan (North), Thakur highlighted that the government has simplified the licensing process for radio stations, particularly community radio, by reducing compliance requirements.
In India, there are currently 388 FM radio stations operating in 113 cities across 26 states and five Union Territories.
“The government is now planning the third batch of e-auction for 808 channels across 284 cities to further expand radio services,” Thakur stated.
The minister also revealed that the government is in the process of erecting radio towers in remote areas to enhance coverage.
Furthermore, the government aims to expand the FM network in Tier-II and Tier-III cities with a special focus on districts affected by Left Wing Extremism (LWE) and those with aspirational potential.
This year, the government approved the Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development scheme, which is projected to increase the coverage of AIR FM transmitters to 66% of the country’s geographical area and 80% of the population, up from the current 59% and 68% respectively.
The scheme also includes the free distribution of over eight lakh DD Free Dish set-top boxes to residents in remote, tribal, LWE affected, and border areas.
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