386 private FM channels now on air as government mandates 20 per cent local language content

NEW DELHI: India’s FM dial just got a whole lot more local. The government has confirmed that 386 private FM radio channels are now operational nationwide, the fruit of e-auctions held on 9 and 10 July 2025 for 730 channels across 234 new cities, conducted through what the ministry calls a transparent bidding system, widely publicised in print and electronic media well before the gavel came down.

The auction cycle threw up 18 successful bidders, nine of them entirely new to the FM radio business, a healthy sign for a sector adding fresh voices rather than just consolidating old ones.

But the real story is the culture clause. Under the private FM radio policy, every broadcaster must devote at least 20 per cent of daily content to the local language of its city, covering local culture, traditions and folk music, ensuring regional identity doesn’t get drowned out by national programming.

The phase-III policy sweetens the deal further, letting broadcasters piggyback on Prasar Bharati’s towers and sites where available, speeding up rollout. The government backs this with letters of intent and grant of permission agreements carrying clear timelines, with particular urgency in left-wing extremism-affected and aspirational districts.

On top of licensing, the ministry keeps a watchful eye on public service messaging, tracking how broadcasters air government schemes and coordinating closely to ensure verified information reaches listeners fast during emergencies and major campaigns.

The information came via L Murugan, minister of state for information and broadcasting and parliamentary affairs, in a written reply to an unstarred question raised by I S Inbadurai in the Rajya Sabha.

With more voices on air and local culture baked into the mandate, India’s FM airwaves are tuning into something bigger than just music and chatter.