FM broadcasting by pvt agencies on schedule — Govt

NEW DELHI, OCT 14: Government today announced that FM Radio Broadcasting operation by private agencies in 40 cities will be on schedule ev...

NEW DELHI, OCT 14: Government today announced that FM Radio Broadcasting operation by private agencies in 40 cities will be on schedule even as it extended the October 15 deadline for licensees to furnish the bank guarantee by 15 days.

However, it said the licensees would have to apply for frequency allocation as per the stipulated date of November two and make the stations operational within 12 months from the date of earmarking of the frequency, a release from the Information and Broadcasting Ministry here said.

Some FM Broadcasting licensees had expressed apprehensions about certain "inconsistencies and confusions" between the tender document and the License Agreement saying the latter imposed on them several restrictions and obligations which were not envisaged in the tender and asked for another onth to furnish the bank guarantee and sign the agreement with the ministry.

Story continues below this ad

Since the last date of furnishing the bank guarantee was October 15, a meeting was held by Information and Broadcasting Minister Sushma Swaraj with the concerned operators, the release said adding their apprehensions were removed and required clarifications issued.

For commencing private FM channel operation, private operators have to apply for frequency allocation and clearance from the Standing Committee on Frequency Allotment by November two, 2000 (that is within three months of the issue of the letter of intent by the ministry).