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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO:396
ANSWERED ON:04.12.2003
LICENCE FREE FM BROADCAST
P.R. KHUTE;PUNNULAL MOHALE
Will the Minister of INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government propose to make the F.M. broadcast licence free; and
(b) if so, the details thereof?
Answer
THE MINISTER OF STATE OF THE MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING(SHRI RAVI SHANKAR PRASAD)
(a) & (b) No Sir, The Government had, on 24th July, 2003, constituted a Committee, to make recommendations for radio broadcasting
for Phase Il. The terms ofreference of the committee, amongst other things, included making assessment of a viable licence fee
structure for the various cities (one time entry, fixed licence fee, revenue sharing, etc.), to be based on clearly defined parameters. The
committee has submitted its report to the Government, on 17th November, 2003. No decision has been taken as yet, in the matter.
The Terms of Reference of the Committee, constituted by the Government,on 24.07.2003, to make recommendation for Radio
Broadcasting for Phase ll
(i) Determining a transparent and effective bidding /auction process to be adopted for allotment of frequencies.
(ii) Assessment of a viable licencee fee structure for the various cities (one time entry fee, fixed licence fees, revenue sharing etc.) to
be based on clearly defined parameters.
(iii) Suggestions regarding extent of foreign equity participation in private FMin order to make them economically more
viable/sustainable while also keeping in mind regimes in other sectors and requirements of national security.
(iv) Study the desirability and legal implications of making modifications inlicensing regime of Phase-l licencees should a different
licensing regime be proposed for phase-ll.
(v) Suggestions for improvement in content being broadcast and considering the inclusion of news.
(vi) Examining the possibility of having non-commercial, non-advertisement driven channels, to be operated/licenced by the same
commercial broadcasters; terms & conditions thereof; consideration of whether type of content of these channels could include
subjects related to the heritage and culture of India.
(vii) Recommendations for a code of conduct in programming matters and method of strict enforcement for violations thereof.
(viii) Assessment of whether colocation is necessary and desirable and if found otherwise, approach to be adopted in the metros,
where colocated set ups involving huge investments stand operationalised.
(ix) Determining the legal implications of the regime which may be proposed vis-A -vis the existing one.
(x) Formulating draft bidding documents and contract/licence agreement.
(xi) Other matters as may be referred to the Committee from time to time.