MUMBAI: A gaggle of existing radiocasters, print media behemoths,  TV broadcasters,  builders, film producers and auto car dealers, are in the list of 21 pre-qualified bidders eligible to participate in the first batch e-auctions for 135 private FM channels in 69 existing cities of phase II. The list was released by the information & broadcasting ministry (MIB)  today.

Among the companies which have got the go ahead figure: A M Television Pvt Ltd, Abhijit Realtors and Infraventures Pvt Ltd, Abir Buildcon Pvt Ltd, DB Corp Ltd, Embassy Nirman Pvt Ltd, Entertainment Network (India) Ltd, HT Media Limited, Malar Publications Ltd, Music Broadcast Pvt Ltd,  Next Radio Ltd, Nirmal Sagar Buildcon Pvt Ltd, Odisha Television Ltd, Pratidin FM Pvt Ltd, Pudhari Publications Pvt Ltd, Rajasthan Patrika Pvt Ltd, Reliance Broadcast Network Ltd, Remi Overseas Pvt Ltd, Renderlive Films & Entertainment Pvt Ltd, Sarthak Films Pvt Ltd, The Mathrubhumi Printing & Publishing Co. Ltd and Venus Autoworks Pvt Ltd

28 applicants had cumulatively submitted Rs 316.91 crore as earnest money deposit by end of day 27 March 2015 which was the deadline for the application process.

The Sun TV group is prominent amongst the bidders whose application was rejected.  The group had routed its applications through five companies, and the application review committee in MIB rejected their applications as they had failed to get security clearance from the ministry of home affairs.