Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Anurag Singh Thakur on Sunday said the government will auction 808 channels in 284 cities under the 3rd batch of e-auction, with an objective to expand the reach of Radio in the country. The Minister informed that at present, 80 per cent of India's geographical area, and over 90 per cent percent of the population is covered by Radio. Mr Thakur was addressing a gathering after inaugurating Regional Community Radio Sammelan in New Delhi today during which he conferred 8th and 9th Community Radio Awards. 
 
The Information and Broadcasting Minister said Community Radio can play a huge role in Jan Bhagidari and Jan Andolan. He highlighted that community radio has made a very big contribution to disseminating information among communities. He said it plays a huge role in creating awareness and providing solutions in the remotest parts of the country. He expressed satisfaction that in the past nine years, 448 community radio stations have come up.
 
The Minister added that Community radio stations should be present in all districts and blocks. He also said that the Government has made the process of issuing licenses to community radio easier. Mr Thakur said airwaves are public property and should be used for the upliftment and benefit of the public. He said the Government is consistently working towards ease of business and lessening the compliance burdens.
 
Secretary, Information and Broadcasting Apurva Chandra said the communication space has witnessed many advancements in the form of Television, Internet and OTT platforms, but that has not dented the popularity and reach of Radio. He added that Community Radio exists in a space not touched by other platforms and serves a need for connectivity not served by more modern media. Mr Chandra informed that the last 2 years have seen an addition of over 120 community radio stations, taking the total to over 450, with an additional over 100 Letters of Intent with the Ministry.
 
Community Radio is an important third tier in Radio Broadcasting, distinct from Public Service Radio broadcasting and Commercial Radio. Community Radio Stations are low power Radio Stations, which are meant to be set-up and operated by community-based organisations.