Media Radio News
Although there’s a view within the government that ‘news’ should not be permitted in private FM radio, citing security concerns, the Cabinet decision may go against this thinking. Even as the information and broadcasting ministry is finalising its recommendations for the second phase of FM radio privatisation, government sources said ‘news’ is likely to be allowed, despite objections from certain quarters. So far, news is not permitted in private FM radio.
The humble radio is back in reckoning. A recent study by IMRB International for Radio Mirchi has not only reported a sharp rise in radio audience in New Delhi during the last six months, it has also said that radio listenership is fast catching up with television viewership in the capital city.
The satellite-based free-to-air digital audio broadcaster, WorldSpace, is set to go pay. The radio service will be repositioned by the end of this month, confirmed Mr Sanjay Ramakrishnan, Head, Marketing. The broadcaster also plans `Experience centres' in four metros and in all major cities. The main idea behind the repositioning drive is to create more awareness among consumers.
Music rules supreme, or so we have been told. While book reading sessions and radio plays used to work well on All India Radio earlier, most of the radio stations in today’s times tend to play safe and dole out a relatively similar mix of music. Until Radio City decided to step out of the crowd.
The second phase of private FM radio is expected to take off soon, as the government is gearing up to take the draft guidelines to the Union Cabinet towards the end of this month. The exercise has gained momentum ahead of Lok Sabha elections. An expert committee on radio headed by Ficci secretary general Amit Mitra, set up at the behest of the government, had submitted its recommendations for the second phase of FM radio in November last.
Worldwide, radio garners 5-12 % of advertising monies. In India, it manages less than 2%. This despite All India Radio having a huge network of 141 medium (MW), 54 short wave (SW) and 130 FM transmitters, which is one of the largest in the world! Placed in this background, FM (The Road Ahead), a media paper by Madison, examines some of the key issues surrounding the radio landscape.
Prasar Bharati Board in its meeting yesterday finalised the appointment of Brajeshwar Singh, a 1975 batch TN cadre IAS officer as the new DG of AIR. Prasar Bharati Board approved the name of Singh among the eight candidates who were shortlisted following an extensive round of interviews of the eligible candidates done on December 16 and 17. The new DG will be in place by end of this month.
Television killed the radio star. Or did it really? Even with innumerable channels, planners predict a rapid increase in ad spends towards radio and swear by the effectiveness of the medium. In the complete absence of timely and credible research, and the license fee issue hanging in balance, coupled with the closed mindset of the advertisers, it’s not surprising that radio is not getting its rightful due. But the New Year could be the first step towards changing things, assert media planners.
The Spices Board and the All India Radio station of Kozhikode are jointly producing a new programme in the form of a series on spices. It will be broadcast from January 9 to April 9, 2004, a Spices Board official said here today.
Anmil Vijay and Sagar Kamarkar are the new faces, oops voice of Radio City. Winners of the recently concluded Junior RJ Hunt, these two kids will soon be co-hosting a show on Radio City.
Having moved from its introductory free service to the subscription-based model, WorldSpace, India’s first and only direct satellite-to-receiver digital radio broadcaster, is well into its investment phase. While strengthening its national presence and forming tie-ups with Indian channels are on the agenda for the coming year, the company is aiming to break-even by 2006.
"RED is a mass-based station, and each station has its own feel and differentiation based on local content, presentation and play list, drawn from regular research in these regions.”
“A Radio Jockey is a mouthpiece of the station; he has to take the burden of representing the right as well as the dark side of the station.”
“We encourage innovation but not on the lines of the Morepen deal. That is not our station call; in such a case, the clients may dictate the programming content, which is not acceptable.”
Our major product differentiation is that the flavor of the station remains constant; we maintain a consistency in music mood and tone with our set target group. This is an important factor for establishing and retaining a loyal listenership base as well as attracting new listeners
Advertising on the radio has definitely increased. Research shows a figure of 50 lakh listeners. It’s not something planners can ignore. Moreover, due to stations operational in different cities, an advertiser reaches cross cities. So an increase in the budget looks justified.
Radio builds brands just as well as TV or posters. Like all other media, on radio also you just need the right commercials for them to have the right impact
Rajesh Tahil has spent a large part of his career in radio industry. He was involved with Radio Mid Day, half a decade back, when the Government had allowed private players to air their programmes for few hours a day on AIR FM. And when Private FM stations came into being and Mid Day decided to launch a station in Mumbai, he was once again at the helm of affairs.
"There is some sort of VJ style, type casting of radio presenters that is already happening which is not good as it could lead to monotony."
“We are expecting a listenership of more than 100 minutes in Kolkata.”
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