Radio reforms

Source: The post “Radio reforms” has been created, based on “Radio reforms” published in “Businessline” on 13 October 2025. Radio reforms.

UPSC Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Governance

Context: While India has rapidly digitised sectors such as payments, cinema, and governance, FM broadcasting continues to operate in an analogue format. The first proposal to digitise FM radio was introduced in 2018, but no significant progress has been made since. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) is now attempting to revive the process through fresh recommendations.

Need for Digital Transformation

1. Analogue FM suffers from poor audio quality, limited channel capacity, and outdated user interfaces.
2. A digital transition is essential to modernise India’s radio infrastructure and align it with 21st-century communication standards.
3. Digitalisation will improve sound clarity, signal reach, and overall user experience.

TRAI’s Key Recommendations

1. Mandatory integration of digital FM chips in all new smartphones and car radios to ensure universal receiver availability.
2. Spectrum auctions in 13 major cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai, are offering 15-year licences to winning operators.
3. Adoption of a simulcast mode, allowing operators to broadcast both analogue and digital content simultaneously on the same frequency.
4. Proposal for “nil” bid amounts during the first five years, with flexible payment mechanisms for later instalments to reduce initial cost burdens.

Advantages of Digital FM

1. Higher spectrum efficiency: One digital frequency can transmit three to four channels.
2. Diverse and niche content: Enables targeted programming and segmented advertising for specific audiences.
3. Revenue potential: Expands inventory, allowing broadcasters to charge premium rates for differentiated content.
4. Gradual transition: Simulcast ensures minimal disruption during migration from analogue to digital.

Implementation Challenges

1. The radio industry has remained commercially stagnant, contributing only 2% of total media ad revenue.
2. High transition costs, including spectrum acquisition and equipment upgrades, deter investment.
3. Lack of receiver devices and consumer inertia limit adoption potential.
4. Unclear profitability in the initial rollout phase due to low digital listenership.
5. Industry disagreement over which digital standard to adopt – DAB+, DRM, or HD Radio.

Global and Technical Considerations

1. Globally, multiple digital standards exist: DAB/DAB+ (Digital Audio Broadcasting), DRM (Digital Radio Mondiale) and HD Radio
2. TRAI recommends adopting a single national standard, preferably DRM, as it is open, royalty-free, and cost-effective.
3. A unified standard is vital to provide certainty for manufacturers and to enable single-chip receiver solutions across devices.

Way Forward

1. Government decision on standardisation is critical to prevent delays and market fragmentation.
2. Fiscal incentives should be offered to device manufacturers to install digital FM chips.
3. Public awareness campaigns can promote adoption among consumers.
4. Integration of digital radio with Digital India and Smart Mobility initiatives will enhance reach and relevance.
5. A public-private partnership model can reduce financial risks and accelerate implementation.

Conclusion: Digital FM broadcasting represents a necessary evolution for India’s communication landscape. It promises better sound quality, efficient spectrum use, and diverse content opportunities. With TRAI’s roadmap and strong policy intent, decisive government action and industry collaboration are now needed. The shift to digital FM is long overdue and deserves a national push.

Question: Discuss the significance of digitising FM radio in India and highlight the key challenges in its implementation.