Union Cabinet approves auction 730 private FM radio channels

Kohima, Dimapur, Mokokchung get three each

DIMAPUR — The government of India has given the green light to auction off 730 private FM radio channels across 234 cities, including Kohima, Dimapur and Mokokchung.

The Union Cabinet approved the e-auction with a projected revenue of INR 784.87 crore under the Private FM Radio Phase III Policy, according to an update from the Press information Bureau on Thursday.

In Nagaland, three channels each will be auctioned off in the cities of Dimapur and Kohima, as well as in Mokokchung.

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In addition to the auction, the Cabinet also decided to set the Annual License Fee (ALF) for FM channels at 4% of Gross Revenue, excluding Goods and Services Tax (GST). This fee structure will apply to all 234 new cities and towns gaining access to private FM radio.

This expansion will not only cater to the unmet demand for FM radio in these locations but will also promote local content in native languages, the update state.

It will lead to creation of new employment opportunities, boost to local dialect and culture and ‘vocal for local’ initiatives, it added.

Further, with many of the chosen locations falling within Aspirational districts and Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) affected areas, setting up of private FM radio in these areas will further strengthen government outreach, it said.