look news india
New Delhi, August 28 (HS). The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday approved the launch of private FM in 234 new cities under the Private FM Radio Phase III policy. The proposal to conduct the third batch of ascending e-auction for 730 channels in 234 cities with an estimated reserve price of Rs 784.87 crore was approved.
Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnav told in a press conference held at the National Media Center that the launch of new FM channels in 234 cities will not only create new employment opportunities but will also promote local dialect and culture. He said that along with this, the proposal to charge 4 percent of gross revenue as Annual License Fee (ALF) for FM channels excluding Goods and Services Tax (GST) was also approved. This will be applicable to 234 new cities. He said that many of the approved cities and towns are in aspirational districts and Left Wing Extremism affected areas. The establishment of private FM radio in these areas will further strengthen the government's reach in these areas.