e-auctions of private FM radio channels Phase-III

 

The radio is back with a bang. 

The final results of the e-auctions of private FM radio channels Phase-III not only indicate expansion of the medium across the country in smaller towns - the process has left the government richer by over Rs 1,000 crore. 

Mumbai became the third city after Delhi and Bengaluru to get a provisional winning price of over Rs 100 crore

The two channels in Mumbai were allocated to winning bidders for Rs 100.94 crore a piece, while the price of Delhi’s lone channel reached Rs 167.49 crore. In Bengaluru, the single channel reached winning price of Rs 106.04 crore

Fresh licences in 54 cities, including several tier-two cities like Hisar, Karnal, Patiala, Kota, Jhansi, Bareily and Gorakhpur, show the expansion potential of radio across the country and the opportunity it opens up for the industry

“We are happy with the results. The process was transparent and efficient. We look forward to the migration formalities,” Uday Chawla, secretary general of the Association of Radio Operators in India, told 

Note

FM Phase-I was launched in 1999-2000, after which 21 private FM channels became operational in 12 cities. 

Due to exponential growth of the FM radio industry and demand for further expansion to cover cities with population of more than one lakh through private agencies, the government notified the FM Phase-III policy guidelines on July 25, 2011.