FM radio Phase-III: 28 cos apply for auction of 135 channels

Twenty-eight companies have submitted applications for the first batch of e-auction of 135 channels in 69 cities as part of Phase-III of the expansion of private FM radio.
The 28 applicants have cumulatively submitted Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) of about Rs 316.91 crore, the Information and Broadcasting ministry said today.
As per a statement here, I&B ministry had received 28 applications as the deadline closed at 5 P.M. On March 27 for taking part in the e-auction in the first batch of Phase III of 135 Private FM Radio channels in 69 existing cities of Phase-II.
The entities which have applied can bid for multiple channels, a senior official said, adding that 28 applications was being seen as a reasonably good response.

"As per the norms, there is a national cap and a city- wise cap on the maximum number of channels that a single company may get.
"However, the companies can bid for multiple channels and we think that 28 applications for 135 private FM channels is a reasonably good response," a senior official said.

Sources also said that 15 of the companies which have applied already hold licences for private FM channels under Phase-II.
The ministry said that the applicants include Mathrubhumi Printing & Publishing Co. Ltd, DB Corp. Ltd, Shahi Shipping Ltd, AM Television Pvt Ltd, Odisha Television Ltd, Pratidin FM Pvt Ltd, Next Radio Ltd, Pudhari Publications Pvt Ltd, Venus Autoworks Pvt Ltd, Reliance Broadcast Network Ltd, Renderlive Films and Entertainment Pvt Ltd and Entertainment Network (India) Ltd.

Music Broadcast Pvt ltd, Abhijit Realtors & Infraventures Pvt Ltd, HT Media Ltd, Rajasthan Patrika Pvt Ltd, Sarthak Films Pvt Ltd, Embassy Nirman Pvt Ltd, Malar Publications Ltd, Nirmal Sagar Buildcon Pvt Ltd, Kal Radio Ltd, South Asia FM Ltd, Sun TV Network Ltd, Digital Radio (Delhi) Broadcasting Ltd, Digital Radio (Mumbai) Broadcasting Ltd, Abir Buildcon Pvt Ltd, Remi Overseas Pvt Ltd and Sunplant Broadcasting Pvt Ltd are the other applicants.