The Hindu Business Line : TRAI may recommend rise in FDI level in FM radio segment

NEW DELHI: Broadcast regulator TRAI is likely to recommend an increase in the level of FDI in the FM radio segment from the existing 20 per cent. The regulator is in the final stages of preparing its recommendations on FM radio, which may be out in this week, TRAI officials said.

TRAI had in January initiated a consultation process to look into various issues involving third phase of private FM broadcasting such as expansion of FM radio to smaller cities, increasing FDI limit in the sector and allowing news and current affairs pr ogramme on FM radio among others.

Currently, 20 per cent FDI is allowed in terrestrial radio and there is no limit of FDI in satellite radio. The industry has been demanding a level playing field between terrestrial and satellite radio segments besides asking for a broadcasting of news a nd current affairs on the radio.

In the first two phases, 37 radio companies were given licences to open over 260 FM stations across 91 cities. As of now, nearly 200 FM stations are operational. Due to the huge growth of FM radio industry and demand for further expansion, the governmen t is considering expansion of FM radio through private agencies under the third phase. - PTI

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