According to India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, 28 applications have been received for the e-auction of 135 private FM channels across 69 cities in the first batch of Phase III FM expansion.
The applicants have cumulatively submitted an Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) of $50.65 million (Rs 3.17 billion).
15 of the companies who have applied already hold licenses issued to private channels under Phase II.
Although there is a national cap and a city- wise cap on the maximum number of channels that a company may get, applicants can bid for multiple channels according to sources.
A list of pre-qualified bidders will now be prepared by the ministry after a scrutiny and fulfilment of other requirements.
Here is the list of applicants:
1 The Mathrubhumi Printing & Publishing co. Ltd
2 DB Corp Ltd.
3 Shahi shipping Ltd
4 AM Television Pvt Ltd
5 Odisha Television Ltd
6 Pratidin FM Pvt Ltd
7 Next Radio Ltd.
8 Pudhari Publications Pvt Ltd
9 Venus autoworks Pvt Ltd
10 Reliance Broadcast Network Ltd
11 Renderlive films & entertainment Pvt Ltd
12 Entertainment Network (India) Ltd
13 Music broadcast Pvt ltd
14 Abhijit Realtors & Infraventures Pvt Ltd
15 HT Media Limited
16 Rajasthan Patrika Pvt Ltd
17 Sarthak films Pvt Ltd
18 Embassy Nirman Pvt. Ltd
19 Malar Publications Ltd
20 Nirmal Sagar Buildcon Pvt Ltd
21 Kal Radio Ltd
22 South Asia FM Limited
23 Sun TV Network Ltd
24 Digital Radio (Delhi) Broadcasting Ltd
25 Digital Radio (Mumbai) Broadcasting Ltd
26 Abir Buildcon Pvt Ltd
27 Remi Overseas Pvt Ltd, Agra
28 Sunplant Broadcasting Pvt Ltd