Govt likely to go slow on FM-III auctions
As a result, sources said, the government has decided to “go slow” on FM-III rollout till it manages to tackle some of the concerns raised by the radio broadcasters. There are four main concerns of the three-dozen FM radio broadcasters. These include disagreement over the prescribed auction methodology, demand for a relook at the city-wise minimum reserve price, inclusion of additional channels in cities (on top of the list already out), and the amount of migration fees for existing radio broadcasters keen to shift to FM-III. Also, some radio companies want the government to learn from the recently concluded 2G auctions for telecom which suffered due to a “steep” reserve price.
When asked to give a time-line to the FM-III auctions, Manish Tewary, the new I&B minister, said: “We will get back on that. The matter is already before an eGoM. Since I have taken charge, I have been on a learning curve. I am examining the matter.”
U K Varma, secretary, I&B ministry, said: “We are ready with the request for proposal for finalising the auctioneer. Only some minor things need to be sorted out. As soon
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