NEW DELHI: The Government received revenue of approximately Rs 544.49 crore until 30 April from private FM broadcasters in 86 cities.

Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Rathore told Parliament that the revenue generated through commercials and sharing of infrastructure with Private FM channels during 2014-15 is Rs 1,09,78 crore.

However, the Rathore said, "it is not meaningful to compare All India Radio's FM stations with those in the private domain as AIR is a public service broadcasting organisation. It is not essentially profit-driven even though efforts are made in the direction of attaining financial self-sufficiency is a part of AIR's regular functioning."

Meanwhile, he said the reserve price for 839 channels being auctioned in Phase III was estimated to be about Rs 1531.92 crore, according to the approval of the Cabinet Note of 7 July 2011.

For Phase III, the Government has received a total of 28 applications for the first batch. The e-auction for the same is scheduled to start soon depending on completion of requisite formalities.

According to the statement issued by the ministry, through 28 applications the Ministry received Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) of about Rs 316.91 crores. Some of the big players in the list include The Mathrubhumi Printing & Publishing co. Ltd, DB Corp Ltd, Reliance Broadcast Network Ltd, Entertainment Network (India) Ltd, HT Media Limited, South Asia FM Limited, Sun TV Network Ltd, Digital Radio (Mumbai) Broadcasting Ltd, Pudhari Publications Pvt Ltd, Kal Radio Ltd and Pratidin FM Pvt Ltd.