PERMISSION FOR FM RADIO (2-Mar-2010)

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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA 
INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING 
LOK SABHA 
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO:761 
ANSWERED ON:02.03.2010 


PERMISSION FOR FM RADIO 
Meinya Dr. Thokchom 


Will the Minister of INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING be pleased to state: 


(a) whether the Government has issued any guidelines for granting permission to operate FM Radio stations in the country; 
(b) if so, the details thereof; 

(c) whether any person can start/operate FM Stations after getting permission from the State Government/Local Authority; 
(d) if so, the details thereof; and 


(e) if not, the reasons therefor? 


Answer 


THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF INFORMATION & BROADCASTING (SHRI ५. M. JATUA) 


(a) & (b) Yes, Sir. Based on TRAI recommendations, the Government of India formulated a policy on expansion of FM radio 
broadcasting services through private agencies (Phase-ll) to supplement and complement the efforts of All India Radio. The Policy 
was announced on 13-07-2005. The Phase-ll policy was further modified on 24-09-2008 to facilitate transfer of shares for the purpose 


of creation of a subsidiary company, amalgamation of companies of the same group, de-merger of company etc. 


(c) to (e) No, Sir. Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is the sole licensing authority to grant permission for operating a private FM 
radio station. The permissions are granted to eligible Indian companies registered under the Companies Act, 1956 on the basis of 


closed tender bidding/system.