MDA seeks proposals for two FM frequencies

To attract the widest range of proposals possible and inject greater vibrancy into the local radio scene, MDA said it will not limit proposals to any particular genre or programming format. PHOTO: ST FILE

SINGAPORE - The Media Development Authority (MDA) has launched a public tender to seek proposals to operate commercial or not-for-profit radio stations on two FM frequencies - FM 89.3 and FM 96.3.

The FM 89.3 spectrum is vacant while FM 96.3, currently occupied by Expat Radio 96.3 XFM, will be vacated by September this year upon expiry of its operating licence.

To attract the widest range of proposals possible and inject greater vibrancy into the local radio scene, MDA said it will not limit proposals to any particular genre or programming format.

"All proposals will be evaluated based on the strength of programming characteristics and quality, as well as the financial standing of the tenderers and their business plans," MDA said in a press release on Wednesday (June 15).

"In addition, those looking to operate commercial radio stations on the two frequencies will be required to submit a monetary bid," it said.

Tenderers submitting not-for-profit proposals will not need to do so but they will instead be evaluated on the social impact of their programming concepts, MDA said.

The tender opens on Wednesday and closes on Sept 14. Results will be announced by the first quarter of 2017.


Current free-to-air radio broadcasters

There are currently three local radio broadcasters - Mediacorp, Singapore Armed Forces Reservists' Association (Safra) Radio, and SPH Radio. A total of 18 radio stations are offered in Singapore:

  • Gold 905
  • Symphony 924
  • 938Live
  • Class 95
  • 987
  • Lush 99.5FM
  • Yes 933
  • Capital 95.8FM
  • Love 97.2FM
  • Warna 94.2FM
  • Ria 89.7FM
  • Oli 96.8FM
  • Power98FM
  • 883JiaFM
  • One FM 91.3
  • Kiss 92FM
  • UFM 100.3
  • BBC World Service 88.9 FM

Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.