TRAI seeks stakeholders’ views on reserve price for auction of FM Radio channels

MUMBAI: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has initiated consultation process for determining reserve prices for auction of FM Radio channels in 283 cities (260 new + 23 existing), under FM Phase-III Policy.

The sector regulator issued a consultation paper of Wednesday, asking for stakeholders’ views on whether they agree with the TRAI’s methodology for valuation FM Radio channels.

TRAI has stated that the FM Radio sector has undergone changes in terms of technology and behaviour of radio listeners, who – especially the young generation – are opting for online platforms like Ganaa.com, for listening to music.

Additionally, as many new smart phones do not have inbuilt FM Radio receivers, in such a scenario, the revenue stream of FM Radio broadcasters may get impacted due to possible reduction in number of listeners.