News Broadcasting
Government announces 1st list of FM Radio probables
NEW DELHI: One hundred companies had expressed their intent to start FM radio operations in India, but 30 seem to have either fallen by the way side or are yet to fully satisfy the authorities.
The government today announced the first list of 70 applicant companies that have qualified for financial bids for the second phase of FM Radio, which was outlined earlier this year.
A notable absentee in today’s list is an existing radio operator that has received the Foreign Investment Promotion Board’s clearance for investment up to 20 per cent by a British broadcaster.
Yet another existing FM player Music Broadcast Pvt Ltd. (MBPL), which runs the brand Radio City, is also absent from the list. When quizzed on this, the company’s official spokesperson says,”It is too premature to comment. Only the first list of probables for the second phase is out.”
Prominent among those who have qualified for financial bidding in the second phase are Subhash Chandra’s Pan India Network Infravest Pvt Ltd, HT Music and Entertainment company, Asianet Communications, Malayala Manorama and Bag Infotainment. Another major player set to make a foray into the FM radio sector is Anil Ambani whose Adlabs Films has qualified for the bid.
Among the existing operators, Radio Today Broadcasting has also made it to the list.
The financial bids would be obtained and opened for scrutiny in January/February 2006 as per a schedule already notified in the tender document.
The government had invited pre-qualification bids on 21 September, 2005 for expansion of FM Radio broadcasting services through private companies in 90 cities for over 300 frequencies.
The bids have been evaluated as per eligibility criteria, the information and broadcasting ministry said today.
News Broadcasting
TV9 to host What India Thinks Today Summit 2026 in Delhi
PM Narendra Modi to keynote two day forum on India and the world
NEW DELHI: TV9 Network is gearing up to host the fourth edition of its flagship What India Thinks Today Summit 2026 on March 23 and 24 in the national capital, bringing together a wide spectrum of voices to debate India’s place in a shifting global order.
The summit will open with a keynote address by Narendra Modi, setting the tone for this year’s theme, “India and the world”, as the country positions itself at the crossroads of economic growth, geopolitical shifts and technological change.
From cabinet ministers to chief ministers, business leaders to cultural figures, the event promises a crowded stage and a lively exchange of ideas. Union ministers such as Piyush Goyal and Jyotiraditya Scindia are expected to attend, alongside state leaders including Mohan Yadav, Pushkar Singh Dhami, Bhajan Lal Sharma, Nayab Singh Saini and Bhagwant Mann.
Political voices from across the aisle, including Smriti Irani, Akhilesh Yadav and Asaduddin Owaisi, will also join the conversation, ensuring that the debates are as diverse as they are dynamic.
Adding a cultural and sporting touch, personalities such as yoga guru Swami Ramdev, poet Kumar Vishwas and cricketing names like Sourav Ganguly, Axar Patel and Arshdeep Singh are set to share the stage. Global business leaders and diplomats will further widen the lens, reflecting the summit’s international outlook.
Speaking ahead of the event, TV9 Network managing director and chief executive officer Barun Das, said India stands at a unique moment in history, combining demographic strength, technological capability and entrepreneurial energy. He noted that in uncertain times, honest conversations and bold ideas will shape the country’s trajectory.
The summit will explore themes ranging from economic growth and governance to innovation, sustainability and culture, positioning itself as a platform for dialogue at a time when the world is in flux.
With a packed agenda and a high-profile guest list, What India Thinks Today Summit 2026 aims to do more than just talk. It seeks to capture a moment where India is not only part of the global conversation, but increasingly helping lead it.
