Quiet, dated FM radio studio in India, reflecting industry decline.
The FM radio industry in India is grappling with a significant crisis, leading many companies to surrender their licenses due to stringent government restrictions and intense competition from digital media platforms. The sector is now urgently seeking a series of policy reforms to ensure its survival and foster fair competition.
Key demands from the industry include the right to broadcast news, a reduction in the Goods and Services Tax (GST), the activation of FM tuners in smartphones, and a revision of exorbitant license fees. These measures are seen as critical for the financial viability of FM radio operators.
While the government has acknowledged the evolving media landscape and the impact of technological shifts, the industry warns that without swift and decisive reforms, further closures are inevitable. The current regulatory environment and competitive pressures are creating an unsustainable operating model for many FM radio stations, highlighting the need for a policy recalibration to support this traditional media sector.
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