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DELHI: The government has earned revenue of Rs 11.45 billion from the successful
bidding of 280 FM (frequency modulation) channels during the year through ‘One
Time Entry Fee’ (OTEF) and migration fee, according to a year-end review
of the information and broadcasting ministry. In all, 337 channels across 91 cities
in the country were put on bidding. Allotment of frequencies
has already been made for all eligible 245 channels. A total of 44 private FM
radio channels have already become operational while others are in the various
stages of getting set up. With the completion of this phase, a total of 266 FM
radio stations will be functional all over the country.
The ministry claims that
the step is expected to revolutionise the field of radio infotainment, offer employment
opportunities to the youths in smaller towns/cities all over the country, provide
a boost to local programming and promote culture and heritage. The
review claims that the ministry initiated several policy measures and operational
steps to smoothen the flow of information to the media as well as to the public
at large during the year.While private radio stations throughout the country are
set to usher in a revolution in the radio infotainment, policy on setting up of
community radio has been liberalised to facilitate communities and non-profit
organisations in this field. Public information campaigns were launched all over
the country to empower the rural masses with information and the where withal
of availing benefits under various schemes undertaken by the government.
According to the new Audio Visual Advertisement Policy, ministries/departments
are no longer obliged to advertise on Prasar Bharati channels
if they want to advertise on private channels. While making
media plans, sufficient weightage is to be given to regional
channels. Broad distribution of advertisements in monetary
terms will now be 70 per cent for national channels and 30
per cent for regional channels.
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