AIR plans to expand FM operations in 210 new cities

Public sector broadcaster Prasar Bharati is set to expand All India Radio’s FM operations to 210 new cities and towns which would make it the largest player in the space. At present, Prasar Bharati operates FM stations in 100-odd cities. It would then have operations in as many cities as all the private FM operators put together would operate in even after the third phase of auctions.

The national broadcaster will soon forward an investment plan of Rs 2,000 crore to the government to build the necessary infrastructure. Prasar Bharati has already written to the chief secretaries of all states for the allocation of land to set up new stations. Work will start on the infrastructure as soon as approvals are received.

Earlier last month, the government set the ball rolling to distribute 839 licenses in 227 new cities and towns to private operators under phase III of the FM radio policy. At present, the radio industry in India, which has 36 FM radio operators, is estimated to be valued at Rs 1,200 crore. With the added inventory coming in over the next three to four years from the new stations, the segment size is expected to double by 2015. Currently, FM stations are in operation in 86 cities. So, they will be available in 313 cities and towns in total.

Source: http://cablequest.org/news/broadband-and-iptv-news/item/266-air-plans-to-expand-fm-operations-in-210-new-cities.html
Source: http://cablequest.org/news/broadband-and-iptv-news/item/266-air-plans-to-expand-fm-operations-in-210-new-cities.html