All India Radio (AIR) has decided to start FM Radio services throughout the country including rural and far-flanged areas in a phased manner, where FM service is presently not available.

The criteria for choosing the locations include areas where there is no AIR FM service, strengthening FM coverage in the border areas especially in North East region as well as Jammu & Kashmir to counter cross border propaganda and consideration of several representations received by the people’s representatives of State and Central governments.

At present, AIR FM Radio service is being provided from 373 cities/locations throughout the country.

During the implementation of FM Phase III, AIR has selected 212 new cities/locations throughout the country.

Prasar Bharati CEO Jawhar Sircar told Radioandmusic.com during an interview that he was conscious that digital radio mondiale (DRM) will ultimately take over, but this process may take some years and the attempt will be to reach out to the people through FM till affordable DRM sets are available.

A total of 243 private FM radio channels are operational under existing Phase-II policy. Cities/towns with a population of 300,000 and above besides State Capitals were taken up for bidding during the first two Phases of FM radio broadcasting.

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