The dream of having private FM radio in Belagavi remains unfulfilled. In the recently concluded Third Batch of Private FM Radio Phase-III Channel auctions, Belagavi – which had four frequencies up for grabs – did not attract a single bidder, continuing a trend from previous auction rounds.
According to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB), auctions for new FM stations were held across 234 cities, including Belagavi, aiming to expand radio coverage, especially to smaller markets. Leading media houses actively bid for prime slots in bigger cities during this phase, with bids in places like Ludhiana crossing ₹7.83 crore. However, despite Belagavi’s 4 available stations, no private operator showed interest in bidding for the city.
Why No Bidders for Belagavi?
This is not the first time Belagavi has faced such disappointment. In earlier FM radio auctions under Phase-III, too, Belagavi failed to attract any takers for its allotted slots. The reasons often cited include high reserve prices, uncertain advertising revenue, and perceptions that smaller cities may not provide enough commercial viability for private radio stations.
Belagavi Still Without Private FM
While bigger cities across India continue to expand their FM radio choices and new stations launch regularly, Belagavi residents are left waiting for a private FM voice. The government’s aim was to bring radio to uncovered cities, but with repeated lack of interest, Belagavi’s case highlights the challenges faced by tier-two cities.
As things stand, Belagavi remains one of India’s cities without a private FM station – despite multiple opportunities and government push to create new avenues for entertainment and information.
What’s Next?
Unless policies are tweaked to make bidding more attractive – perhaps by lowering reserve prices or providing incentives – Belagavi’s hopes for a private FM radio station may remain just out of reach. For now, citizens continue to rely on government-operated stations and community initiatives for their radio listening needs.