In a significant move towards expanding the radio broadcasting sector through private channels, the Information and Broadcasting ministry (I&B) has invited applications for e-auction of second batch of 266 FM Radio channels in 92 cities under the FM Phase III expansion. The ministry has also decided to offer special incentives are being provided to 36 channels in 14 cities comprising Jammu& Kashmir and North Eastern states.
According to an official statement released on Monday, the ministry has issued the Notice Inviting Applications (NIA) for e-auction of the second batch which consists of 227 channels in 69 new cities besides 39 channels in 23 existing cities. Applications are to be submitted latest by 5 PM on August 1, 2016.
"By this, the FM Phase III policy exudes the government's thrust for concerted development of the North Eastern states and J&K," the statement read, adding that the annual fee of the channels in these areas at half the rates for first three years, besides provision of Prasar Bharati Infrastructure at half the lease rentals.
The first batch of auctions comprised vacant channels in cities where private FM operators were already present.
Out of 69 new cities taken up for auction in the second batch, 20 cities with 80 channels are having population of 3-10 lakh and 38 cities with 114 channels are having population of 1-3 lakh. 11 cities in border areas of Jammu and Kashmir and North Eastern states with population up to one lakh having 33 channels have also been included.
The Notice comprises eligibility criteria, application procedures, reserve prices of channels, frequencies available for selection, auction rules, etc and is aimed at inviting applications from the interested companies for participation in the forthcoming auction, the statement said.
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