Blueprint ready, I&B to air new FM policy soon

The first phase of private FM saw only 21 stations in 12 cities — after close to 108 frequencies auctioned four years ago. Much of the problems arose because of auctioning out frequencies at exorbitant rates. In place of that, it is learnt, a tendering process is to find approval. ‘‘At least, this will ensure that speculative bids will not be repeated,’’ officials said.

Instead of revenue-sharing, much tomtomed about by radio players, the Government is likely to settle for a fixed fee.

‘‘Revenue-sharing brings with it a host of problems, beginning with building enough trust with the industry so that they share their balance sheets with us and throw open their records everytime a government official wants to know the figures,’’ said officials.

A fixed fee (the amount is yet to be decided), is said to be the preferred way out.

On allowing news on radio, again a vociferous demand made by the industry, a view will be taken on how much news to allow, or whether to allow it at all. Once ready, the policy will be taken up for discussion with the Communications Ministry and the Law Ministry, after which it will be sent for Cabinet approval.

Also, officials are looking at the recommendations on community radio. A decision will be taken on whether to hand over radio to the community, with some checks, as opposed to the campus radio that is currently in place. Three institutes — Institute of Mass Communication, Jamia and Anna University — have licences to start community radios.