Expression of Interest Issued to Set Up FM Radio Stations in 234 Unexplored Locations

Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Information and Broadcasting, stated that the Center has issued Expressions of Interest from interested companies for the establishment of FM radio stations in 234 unexplored towns, and an auction for them will take place in the next few days.

Speaking at a press conference, Jaju added that the Central government has chosen to establish an Indian Institute of Creative Technologies in Mumbai with the goal of fostering talent development and establishing a startup environment for the gaming sector. Hyderabad will also serve as a regional hub for the institute.

"In 236 (234) small towns, including Adilabad, private FM radio stations will be established. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting requested Expressions of Interest for this. In the upcoming days, the auction will take place. In Hyderabad, we also had a road show today," the official stated.

A plan to hold the third round of escalating e-auctions for 730 channels in 234 untapped cities under the Private FM Radio Phase III Policy was approved by the Union Cabinet in August.

The EoI document states that November 18 is the deadline for submitting the application.

Jaju added that the Telugu film industry is being asked to actively participate in the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI), which will take place in Goa from November 20 to 28.