NEW DELHI: The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry has urged the government to ensure that the process of auctions under FM Radio Phase III rolls out smoothly without any further delay, and for auctions to be completed by September or October this year.

In a road map presented to Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar, it has also said that Phase II licenses which expire from April 2015 are extended well before the end-date.

Referring to reduction in channel separation, the government must immediately accept Telecom Regulatory Authority of India’s recommendations so that an FM revolution can be brought about.

A larger number of radio stations will also mean more job creation and a much wider programming variety for the people of each city. The chamber has also called for allowing news in an unrestrained manner and increasing FDI in FM radio to 49 per cent.

It wanted constitution of a task force for Improving Screen Density in India and ensuring that entertainment tax is fully subsumed in the GST without creating a window for its levy at the local level.

FICCI expressed confidence that this would provide the much-needed boost to the media and entertainment sector.

A delegation led by FICCI President Sidharth Birla, said the M and E sector had tremendous potential for dynamic growth and multiplier effect on employment generation without much spending from the public exchequer.

The 'Policy Roadmap for the Media and Entertainment Sector in India'comprises key recommendations for the Television, Film, Print, Radio, AVGC and Live Events sectors.