The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has recommended, among other things, that FM players be allowed to own multiple channels in the same district. This may pave the way for packages or bouquets on FM radio.
According to a private FM official, the recommendations are largely progressive and meet most of the industry’s concerns. Multiple channels in a district would mean diversification of content. “We can offer, for example, English, Punjabi or Tamil channels in Delhi, depending on listeners’ demands,” he said.
TRAI has also recommended that the reserve one-time entity fee (OTEF) be fixed at 50% (currently 25%) of the highest bid price in a district. This move, if accepted by the government, will make the entry fee more expensive for all bidders except the highest one.