Private FM Radio Coming to 234 New Cities in India

New Delhi- The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the introduction of private FM radio in 234 new cities and towns across the country, including ten locations in Telangana. These cities and towns in Telangana are Adilabad, Karimnagar, Khammam, Kothagudem, Mahbubnagar, Mancherial, Nalgonda, Nizamabad, Ramagundam, and Suryapet.

The decision allows for the 3rd batch of e-auctions for 730 FM channels with a reserve price of ₹784.87 crore under the private FM radio phase III policy. The Cabinet also approved an annual license fee for FM channels set at 4% of gross revenue, excluding GST.

This expansion is expected to meet the growing demand for FM radio, provide local content in regional languages, and boost employment opportunities, promoting local culture and "vocal for local" initiatives.