Radio as a medium of mass communication is not dying out; rather, it has evolved and continues to hold significant potential. The transistor revolution in the 1960s made radio more accessible by making it mobile through battery-operated sets and substantially reducing unit prices. By 2000, around 110 million households (two-thirds of all Indian households) were listening to radio broadcasts in 24 languages and 146 dialects, with more than a third being rural households.

The potential for FM channels in post-liberalisation India is enormous. Further privatisation of radio stations and the emergence of community owned radio stations would lead to the growth of radio stations. The demand for local news is growing, and the number of homes listening to FM in India has reinforced the worldwide trend of networks getting replaced by local radio.

Privately run FM channels provide entertainment to listeners, though they are not permitted to broadcast any political news bulletins. Many channels specialise in 'particular kinds' of popular music to retain their audiences. FM channels are particularly popular among young urban professionals and students.

Most FM channels belong to media conglomerates. For instance, 'Radio Mirchi' belongs to the Times of India group, Red FM is owned by Living Media, and Radio City by the Star Network. However, independent radio stations engaged in public broadcasting like National Public Radio (USA) or BBC (UK) are missing from India's broadcasting landscape.

All India Radio has grown to 480 stations and 681 transmitters, covering 99% of the population spread over 92% area of the country, demonstrating radio's continued relevance as a mass communication medium.