NEW DELHI: The Directorate of Advertising and Visual Publicity has decided to extend till 31 August or the date of completion of the fresh empanelment process of television and FM radio channels.

In an advisory issued on 30 May, DAVP noted that it had commenced the process of empanelment on 24 May but had not been able to complete it by 31 May as announced earlier. DAVP empanelment is done for a period of three years.

Meanwhile, DAVP has decided to continue ‘for the time being’ the existing rate of FM Radio advertisements while issuing new rates for 200 private cable and satellite channels which have become effective from 1 June.

The new rates have come following the announcement of the new rate determination formula by the Information and Broadcasting Ministry.

DAVP has also provisionally extended the empanelment of all C&S TV channels currently empanelled with it till 31 August. There are six time bands in the revised rates.

The listed 200 channels (which can be seen on www.davp.nic.in) may also apply for their empanelment with DAVP for the year 2012-15 using the Online Application Form available on the DAVP website.

All the channels that are currently empanelled with DAVP have to give their acceptance to the revised rates by 15 June 2012.

Earlier, the Ministry had put on its website the content of the radio, television and print advertisements of the Bharat Nirman ads.

Empanelled channels are under contractual obligation to telecast DAVP or AA (Authorised Agency) advertisements and face suspension for a year if they drop Government spots.

Out of the total annual budget allocation for television, 40 per cent is exclusively earmarked for regional channels.