Govt likely to carry out Phase III expansion of FM radio

The I&B ministry and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India are considering aspects related to this process

Government intends to carry out Phase III expansion of FM radio hopefully in the current financial year to rake in more revenue, Information and Broadcasting Minister Arun Jaitley said today.

The I&B ministry and the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) are considering aspects related to this process, he said.

"Some aspects are being considered between the I&B ministry and the regulator. And I'll like to see that happen quite early.

"If I could have my way, it should be in this financial year because I now speak in both capacities. March 31, and some more revenue to the government has some relevance to me," said Jaitley, whose primary charge in the government is that of Finance Minister.

"Besides doing things expeditiously which is one good reason, I have an additional reason to do it fast. And I can't be more candid," he added apparently referring to the next budget.

The minister was interacting with PTI journalists at the agency's headquarters when he was asked about the status of the much-awaited proposed auction of Phase III expansion of FM Radio channels.

Under phase III, more than 800 new FM radio channels are proposed to be allowed to come up in nearly 294 cities across the country.

Asked about the proposal to allow broadcast of news on private FM radio stations, he said, "Let me consider this at length."

He gave a similar reply when asked about justification for moves to allow broadcast of news on private FM stations based on what was being broadcast by AIR FM station bulletins which themselves were largely based on news provided by agencies like PTI.

At the interaction, Jaitley was asked about his being given the unusual combination of Finance and I&B portfolios in the recent reshuffle.