FUNCTIONING OF FM RADIO (4-May-2010)

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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA 
INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING 
LOK SABHA 
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO:6202 
ANSWERED ON:04.05.200 


FUNCTIONING OF FM RADIO 
Natarajan Shri P.R. 


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


(a) whether foreign control is permitted in FM Radio services; 

(b) if so, the details thereof; 

(c) whether Non-Resident Indians religious groups are also permitted to operate FM Radio Stations; 
(d) if so, the details thereof; and 


(e) the details of the revenue earned by the Government for FM Radio services annually? 


Answer 


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


a) No, Sir. As per the FM policy (Phase-ll), the foreign investment is permissible to the extent of only 20% of the paid up equity of an 
entity holding permission for a private FM radio channel. 


(b) Does not arise. 

(c) Under clause 3. of the FM policy (Phase-ll), religious bodies or their controlled/associated companies are not eligible for 
obtaining permission for FM radio channels. However, under clause 8./ of FM policy Phase-ll, NRIs can invest in the paid up equity of 
an entity holding a permission for a private FM radio channel, subject to a cap of 20% on Total Foreign Investment. 


(d) Does not arise. 


(e) The Government earned revenue to the tune of Rs 50.76 crore (approx.) during the Financial Year ending 3/st March 200.