India had a total of 391 operational private FM radio channels across 119 cities as on March 30, 2026, according to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. The latest figures reflect a marginal increase in the number of operational stations under the Phase-III FM policy, indicating continued expansion of private radio broadcasting in the country.

The government yesterday noted that these channels are run by multiple private FM operators spanning major media groups as well as regional broadcasters. The growth in the number of cities covered underscores the steady penetration of FM radio into semi-urban and smaller urban centres, complementing public broadcasting services provided by Akashvani or the All India Radio.

As per the official list of operational channels, the private FM radio sector continues to be dominated by a handful of large media companies. Among them, Entertainment Network India Limited (Radio Mirchi) holds the highest number of licences and operates the largest number of FM radio stations in the country, maintaining its leadership position in the segment. The company has a widespread presence across metros and Tier-II and Tier-III cities.

Other major players in the sector include Reliance Broadcast Network Limited, Music Broadcast Limited, DB Corp Limited, and HT Media Limited, all of which operate multiple stations across different regions. These companies together account for a significant share of the total operational FM channels in the country.

The data also highlights the diversity of operators, with several regional and niche broadcasters running stations in specific states or cities. This mix of national and regional players has enabled the FM radio sector to cater to varied linguistic and cultural audiences, thereby strengthening its role as a localised mass communication medium.

The expansion of private FM radio is part of the government’s broader policy to enhance media reach and promote local content. Earlier policy decisions, including auctions for new channels in uncovered cities, are expected to further increase the number of stations and deepen radio penetration in underserved areas.

Overall, the latest data indicates that private FM radio remains a vibrant and growing segment of India’s media landscape, with leading broadcasters continuing to expand their footprint while newer players enter emerging markets.