India Approves Special Relaxation for New FM Radio Empanelment

The Government of India has approved a one-time special relaxation for automatic provisional empanelment of successful bidders from the Batch-III e-auction under the FM Policy (Phase-III). Effective immediately, this decision will allow new FM radio operators to gain provisional empanelment with the Central Bureau of Communications (CBC) from the day their channels begin operations. The provisional period will last for six months or until they qualify for permanent empanelment under the current 'Policy Guidelines for Empanelment of Private FM Radio Stations.'

During this provisional phase, the base advertising rate for Private FM Radio stations without Indian Readership Survey (IRS) data will apply. This initiative aims to provide immediate revenue benefits for operators entering new cities, encouraging quicker launches. It is expected to accelerate the rollout of Private FM Radio services, enhancing access to radio broadcasting throughout India.

This move is part of the government's broader efforts to improve the Ease of Doing Business, supporting the radio industry with smoother operations and creating a favorable environment for growth in the broadcasting sector.