Bhubaneswar: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the proposal for the third batch of ascending e-auctions for 730 private FM radio channels across 234 new cities, with an estimated reserve price of Rs. 784.87 crore under the Private FM Radio Phase III Policy. Alongside this, the Cabinet greenlit the establishment of 19 FM radio channels across six districts in Odisha, including Baleswar (3), Baripada (3), Berhampur (4), Bhadrak (3), Puri (3), and Sambalpur (3).
This significant expansion aims to bring FM radio coverage to areas that remain uncovered by private broadcasters, fostering the availability of local content in native languages. The new batch of auctions is expected to create fresh employment opportunities while promoting the government’s ‘vocal for local’ initiative, especially in culturally rich regions.
Additionally, the Cabinet approved a new framework for the Annual License Fee (ALF) for FM channels, set at 4% of Gross Revenue excluding Goods and Services Tax (GST), which will be applicable to the newly included 234 cities.
The initiative is expected to promote local dialects, culture, and regional development through the spread of information and entertainment.