Expansion of Private FM Channels in Tamil Nadu

We are thrilled to announce that eleven towns in Tamil Nadu will soon be home to new private FM radio channels! As part of the Government of India’s initiative to expand radio coverage, these towns – Coonoor, Dindigul, Karaikudi, Karur, Nagercoil, Neyveli, Pudukkottai, Rajapalayam, Thanjavur, Tiruvannamalai, and Vaniyambadi – will each receive three private FM channels.

This initiative is part of the third batch of FM Phase-III radio channels, which aims to allocate a total of 730 channels to 234 uncovered locations across the country. The Union Cabinet has approved the e-auction process, with an estimated reserve price of ₹784.87 crore, to facilitate this expansion.

Key Highlights:
• E-Auction Process: The bidding for the new channels began on October 14, with the last date for applications set for November 18, 2024.
• Government Support: Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting, Dr. L. Murugan, emphasized the government’s commitment to infrastructure and welfare development, contributing ₹3 lakh crore for infrastructure projects and removing 1,500 outdated laws to boost business growth.
• Reviving Radio: The popularity of radio has surged, driven in part by Prime Minister Modi’s “Mann Ki Baat” program, which connects with millions of listeners across the nation.
This expansion marks a significant step in enhancing local media access and providing more diverse content for residents in these regions. We look forward to seeing the positive impact of these new FM stations on our communities!