All India Radio (AIR) and state-run Bangladesh Betar will co-produce radio programs on music, quiz, theatre, tourism and sports among others.

The move is aimed at further strengthening bilateral ties, according to a senior official.

The two broadcasters have also agreed to jointly produce one daily news bulletin of ten minutes with a focus on cooperation between the two nations in various developmental aspects like tourism, commerce and trade, sports, culture, agriculture and climate change.

A music reality show and a series of quiz programs on India and Bangladesh among school and college students are also on the cards.

“The finale of it (quiz program) can be held before invited audience either in Kolkata or Dhaka and the event will be broadcast live by both the broadcasters,” the official said.

The two broadcasters have also agreed to co-produce radio series based on reputed literary work and plays based on works of reputed play writers.

The cooperation between the two broadcasters is part of an MoU signed by Prasar Bharati, which runs AIR, and Bangladesh Betar last month in Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh.

The two broadcasters have also agreed to jointly work in the area of research and development of broadcast technology, the official said. 

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Vineet Singh Hukmani is MD & CEO of Next Radio Ltd and has been at the helm of the company now in his 10th year. The company runs FM radio stations in Delhi, Mumba,i Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai, Pune and Ahmedabad. It also has an online streaming platform www.1cast.in streaming live broadcasts of Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore stations.

1. What does Radio One do differently in India?

In a mass radio market in India, we are the first and only radio station company to target upscale educated Indians through our international formats. In the last year, we are the first and only radio station company to ‘re-broadcast’ our international format FM stations online. This is for the benefit of upmarket listeners who choose to entertain themselves online on their mobiles/tablets. We are also the first to start a dedicated ‘audio business channel’ called ‘Business ONE’ for the young professional on this new platform. 

2. How does this affect your business?

Being a highly differentiated radio product as compared to competition, we were able to grow our revenue from innovative on- air initiatives and get revenues from clients who do not advertise with any other radio station. This has helped us resist doing discounted high cost ‘activation events’ for clients that kill the value of radio inventory as other mass radio stations have been doing in India. This clear business strategy has helped us grow 19% on topline and 61% on EBIDTA in the fourth quarter even in a slow economy. This was special as it happened in our 10th year as a company. We were also proud to be adjudged ‘India’s Most Attractive Media – Radio Brand’ by TRA research, a landmark annual study done in India amongst 10,000 brands in 16 cities. (The TRA research is done in partnership with Indian Statistical Institute and Tata Institute)  

3. Recent Highlights in the product that stand out?

We have been recognised for 3 content initiatives by awards and client recognition that we are very proud of.  The first is India’s longest running travel show on Radio One called – Get Some Sun, anchored by Celebrity actor Ranveer Singh. We have helped so many Indians discover the best global travel destinations through this program. The first ever ‘investment education’ program on Radio in India, for which we were awarded at The India Content Leadership Awards. We are a finalist at the prestigious New York Festival for the touching story ’Sydney To Ganges’ in which we chronicled the story of cricketer Steve Waugh who completed the wishes of his late friend Brian Rudd that his ashes be immersed in the Ganges river in India. 

4. Radio One has three international stations and four Hindi stations in its format. How do you create synergy within these two radically different formats?

Firstly, our target audience is the same - meaning ‘upscale educated Indian’, in all cities. We don’t target the masses like others. Secondly, locally we look at what format makes more sense. The market for English music consumption is fairly larger in Delhi Mumbai and Bangalore. However, in Pune, Kolkata, Chennai and Ahmedabad, we run Hindi songs – with English talk. In the night bands from 10pm-1am we run English in these smaller markets also. We also have an international music day once a month in these smaller markets to allow for national advertisers to take advantage of our English expertise and create the right premium connect for their brands. Our task is to super engage the ‘global indian’ in India and we do things differently to engage them in each market all the while retaining the base fabric of ‘premium audience engagement’ at the foundation.

5.  How do you engage your audiences differently? 

In IRS 2017, our reach in seven cities is 5.94 million listeners, out of which 4.2 million listeners are in Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore in our international format stations. Our game is to amplify engagement and not amplify reach. We have created strong city based facebook pages that have 1.2 million plus fans. These have the largest likes in their respective city as compared to any other radio station. We mirror our content on these pages and create a seamless bridge between our on-air product and social media engagement. We also have separate audience interest facebook pages which has helped us aggregate listeners nationally based on their interests areas  like Travel , Sport, Women Achievers, EDM, Rock, Festivals etc. 

Since our advertiser sees this on air as well as online engagement, they don’t even ask us to do ‘on ground activations’ as they know we target and engage a well profiled target.  

6. Where to professional and personal objectives of leadership align? 

It feels good to be recognized both as a company and personally as being a ‘pioneer of international radio’ in India. We are good at not only doing different things, but also doing things differently! My greatest achievement and blessing is the wonderful team I work with and I am fortunate to be with them.

Indian network Radio City's digital arm, radiocity.in has partnered with Google AdWords Premier Small & Medium Business Partner Program and AdsWizz, the leading technology provider of advertising solutions for the digital audio industry.

The partnership with Google will provide small and medium businesses, a holistic digital media strategy and create new revenue streams for Radio City.

Partnership with AdsWizz will enable efficient monetization of Radio City's web radio stations through programmatic buying of audio ad inventory.

AdsWizz will work with digital audio publishers and advertisers, helping them place their ads through programmatic buying. Radiocity.in runs an online ad inventory of over 10 million in India alone. 

According to the company, Radiocity.in reaches over 30 million listeners each month through 52 online radio stations and 900 playlists, with almost 90% of users consuming audio content on mobile.

Abraham Thomas, CEO, Radio City said: "Online audio advertising has been consistently growing with the increasing popularity of online audio consumption. Radio City's strategic alliances with two powerhouses of the digital advertising space will help us accelerate our digital first approach. The partnerships will drive synergies with our customers and enable digital audio advertising transactions to flow seamlessly between buyers and sellers. Our partnership with technology-based services will also simplify and quicken the entire process of buying and selling ads, thereby benefiting all the stakeholders."

Alexis van de Wyer, CEO of AdsWizz, said: "Programmatic ad buying allows buyers granular targeting based on consumer behavior such as music interests, purchase patterns and demographics. The programmatic space in India is significantly mature in terms of technology adoption. We are happy to partner with Radio City which has a commanding presence in the digital space and help them optimize their ad inventory. We hope that this partnership will go a long way in revolutionizing buying of ad space and create awareness around the benefits of programmatic advertising."

Indian network Radio City has announced the launch of Gig City Season 3 - its live multicity simulcast concert.

The company claims it will reach 670 million people and will feature performances by Sachin - Jigar, Sukhwinder Singh, Neeti Mohan, Armaan Malik and Monali Thakur.

The concept aims to use radio as a medium for listeners to experience a live concert by their favourite music artists on the go.

The concerts will air every Friday from 7 pm to 9 pm and there will be a repeat broadcast on Saturday from 9 pm to 11 pm  PM across 25 Hindi Speaking markets.

It will be hosted by RJ Salil who will also share interesting trivia about the artists.

Commenting on the launch of the latest season of this innovative property, Abraham Thomas, CEO, Radio City said: "The uniqueness of the concept and the stupendous response amongst advertisers has helped us extend the property on ground in multiple cities since the last two years.”

Bollywood singer Armaan Malik said: "Concerts bring families and friends together and are a perfect avenue for music lovers to enjoy the performances of their favourite singers.”   

Guest article by Yogendra Pal, Honorary Chairman of the Indian DRM chapter, in Radio World

India’s public service broadcaster, All India Radio, has adopted the Digital Radio Mondiale standard for digital terrestrial radio transmissions in the medium wave and shortwave bands. DRM allows for multiple FM-like radio services plus associated data such as multilingual news articles to be carried in place of or as an extension to the former analog radio services, while maintaining the large-area service coverage of the AM bands.

AIR’s 35 medium-wave transmitters, with a power range from 20 kW to 1000 kW, continue to operate in DRM — two of these in pure DRM and 33 in simulcast. Twenty-five are working in pure DRM daily for one hour. Two shortwave transmitters are also carrying DRM services. Two more shortwave transmitters, 100 kW each, are under trial in New Delhi and are expected to be operational in a couple of months for service to neighbouring countries.

IN-CAR DRM RECEPTION

The car industry in India has invested millions of dollars in the domestic development of DRM digital radio-capable receivers and chipsets. Manufacturers are already equipping new car models with default DRM radio sets at no extra cost to customers. 

At the end of 2017, there were about 500,000 cars with line-fit DRM receivers and at the beginning of May 2018 that number was over 800,000.

Hyundai has built-in DRM radios in all its models except one. Their latest model with built-in DRM receiver, one of the most popular and best-selling SUVs in India, Creta, just launched.

Maruti Suzuki has incorporated DRM receivers in six models and all their models are expected to have built-in DRM receivers by the end of December 2018. In addition, Mahindra has installed DRM in its TUV model. Most of the leading car manufacturers have either already incorporated DRM receivers in their cars or are in the process of doing so.

STANDALONE DRM RADIO RECEIVERS

Activity has increased notably during the last 12 months. Communications Systems Inc. was the first Indian radio manufacturer to domestically develop and produce an ambitious DRM receiver (AV-1401). It offers a color screen display, stereo speakers, built-in chargeable battery with 10-hour capacity on full charge, external power source connection, detachable remote control, recording and playback from an external source and a full-fledged media player for all types of digital content. It supports all the DRM-specific features including Journaline advanced text and Emergency Warning Functionality even from standby mode. The model was recently updated, 

Several additional Indian companies are also in the process of designing/developing DRM receivers. Inntot Technologies, for example, is a young innovative start-up enterprise that has developed a software-based DRM receiver based on a generic processor, expected to be very cost effective. The design has been field tested in a number of cities in India.

Recently it was announced that Inntot Technologies had raised approximately US$0.5 million in its seed round from early-stage venture capital firm Unicorn India Ventures for developing DRM receiver solutions and other digital radio products. While the first models included solutions for DRM in AM, provision for DRM in the FM band is also expected to be incorporated.

GeekSynergy, another creative start-up company in India, is working on the development of an affordable yet full-featured DRM receiver likely to be showcased soon. The company is also working on incorporating DRM into smartphones using one of the most well-known chips used in all the branded cellphones.

In addition, Gospell Digital Technology Co. Ltd. of China  offers the GR-216 DRM receiver, which is already in production. The GR-216 can receive DRM signals in the AM and VHF bands. Core DRM features such as Journaline advanced text and EWF with automatic device-wake-up from standby are supported. Gospell is also developing a DRM receiver dongle, GR-227, which can be plugged in the existing audio systems in the car USB ports or Aux input to receive DRM signals. 

Finally, Panama-based Titus SDR has developed a multi-standard and software-based digital radio receiver, supporting DRM in all bands (LW, MW, SW, VHF bands I, II, III) as well as DAB(+). 

Titus SDR supports the full feature set of DRM functionality, including Journaline with full Unicode multiscript, slideshow images, EWF, transparent file transmissions (e.g. for educational services, when combined with the power of the full integrated android based tablet), EPG/SPI and service logo download, etc. 

The model features a Wi-Fi hotspot feature, which allows all Wi-Fi enabled mobile devices to connect to the Titus and receive all the DRM services including audio streaming and Journaline using their standard web browser. 

AIR’S PHASE II DRM ROLLOUT

While AIR’S Phase I of the national DRM rollout project focused on establishing the transmitter network nationwide and was successfully concluded last year, Phase II is concentrating on optimizing DRM coverage, service quality and incorporating full features. 

Enhanced DRM services with improved coverage and audio quality along with Journaline and service logo transmissions have already been placed on-air in New Delhi and Bangalore and are scheduled to be on-air soon in Pune and Chennai and later all over India.

AIR in Bangalore  has added a dedicated web page entitled “DRM Digital Radio Bengaluru,” for easy access (on any type of device, including smartphones) to audio and Journaline text functions of its DRM broadcasts, which feature popular programs such as Vividh Bharati and AIR Gold FM. 

Multimedia Player shows two audio programs available from AIR Bengaluru as well as the text service Journaline showing RSS AIR information feeds.

AIR’s ongoing endeavor to offer the full DRM experience is at the forefront of the broadcaster and its stakeholders’ agenda. At the most recent meeting in May, several ideas were put forward to make AIR a digital pioneer. These include:

Provide popular programs in excellent digital audio quality

Provide relevant multilingual text services through Journaline

Provide traffic information, Emergency Warning Functionality, etc.

Take private FM broadcasters on board on AIR’s DRM national network in the medium-wave band and offer them digital options (as up to three channels are now available in pure DRM from one transmitter). Since AIR DRM transmitters can cover an area of over 60 percent of the country when operated in pure DRM, listeners in these areas would be able to receive programs of private broadcasters, unavailable on FM with its limited coverage.

Plan an extensive public awareness campaign including demonstrations of digital services in public places.

DRM programs are already bringing new content to many Indian areas, which were not covered in AM or FM. AIR should identify these areas and start a public awareness campaign there.

Stakeholders are encouraging the government to consider giving incentives to the private broadcasters to start DRM services and to the domestic DRM receiver manufacturers to produce large numbers of DRM receivers at affordable prices.

Since the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has already made its recommendation on the digitization of VHF band II (FM), the major Indian stakeholders are expecting the government to frame and announce urgently a policy for the VHF digitization.

With so much progress having been made in India, there is increasing pressure for the public announcement of a clear roadmap toward the official launch date of digital radio services (coverage and services/features) in India.

Indian network Big FM’s longest running show, ‘Suhaana Safar with Annu Kapoor’ completed five years this month.

The popular retro show is hosted by veteran actor Annu Kapoor, who shares little-known stories and trivia along with songs from Bollywood’s golden years.

To celebrate the occasion, the network hosted a Facebook live session with Kapoor who addressed his fans while reminiscing his remarkable journey so far.

Speaking on the occasion, a company spokesperson said: "Annu Kapoor's profound knowledge and penchant towards Hindi cinema has led to its success and earned credibility amongst listeners. The show not only appeals to the mature generation but is a huge attraction with youngsters as well."

Commenting on the successful completion of five years, Annu Kapoor said: "It gives me great pleasure in bringing listeners closer to the world of cinema by narrating unheard anecdotes. My dedicated team of writers and researches have been instrumental in contributing to the show's success. I hope to continue the legacy of the show and also engross the millennial generation in these enthralling tales."

India’s 92.7 Big FM is bringing back 'Yaadon Ka Idiot Box with Neelesh Misra'– a popular storytelling show, for its fifth season on the network.

An award-winning author, screenplay writer and lyricist, Mishra is known for telling stories from everyday life with a human connect.

Airing across 53 stations, the latest offering will feature regular people's extraordinary stories and is slated to go on-air from July 2 on weekdays at 10 pm.

The first four seasons of the show aired on the network from 2011 to 2015, after which he had moved to rival network Red FM to host ‘The Neelesh Misra Show’.

Speaking about the show, Sunil Kumaran, Country Head, Thwink Big said: "The format of the show coupled with Neelesh's exceptional style made for a formidable combination in creating one of the most engaging and first-of-its-kind offerings on radio. Neelesh is one of the best orators in the country and he brings his distinctive style to the show. Given its innate popularity, the show has been well received and will continue to serve as a beneficial offering for all the stakeholders involved. The new season will be a reflection on the transformation that India is going through as it leaps ahead on the development path."

India’s Radio City 91.1FM launched a week-long initiative called 'Kar Mumbaikar' in Mumbai to create awareness on plastic ban which was recently implemented by the Maharashtra government.

The station invited listeners to come together to pledge against the use of plastic at a music concert featuring Bollywood singer Sonu Nigam.

Its breakfast hosts RJ Salil & Archana also took to the streets distributing cloth bags to shopkeepers, fruit, vegetable & flower vendors and others.

The campaign was initiated in Dadar Phool Market in the presence of social activist Afroz Shah, Consul General of Norway in Mumbai Ann Ollestad and BMC Deputy commissioner Nidhi Choudhari.

Urging Mumbaikars to rally for the cause, singer Sonu Nigam said: "Plastic causes widespread destruction to our environment and its ban in Maharashtra couldn't have come sooner. I urge Mumbaikars to root for this by completely eliminating its usage in their day to day lives."

Indian network Red FM partnered with children's rights activist Kailash Satyarthi’s Children’s Foundation under its annual CSR initiative this year.

Satyarthi is a Nobel Peace Prize recipient and founder of Bachpan Bachao Andolan (Save Childhood Movement), the Kailash Satyarthi Children’s Foundation, Global March Against Child Labour, and GoodWeave International.

To date, Satyarthi and his team have liberated more than 86,000 children in India from child labour, slavery and trafficking.

The network’s campaign - 'Bajao For A Cause', takes up a cause of social significance to raise awareness and funds, and to act as the mouthpiece of those voiceless minor sections of society who remain unrepresented.

This year, the campaign kickstarted on June 12 on World Day Against Child Labour and aimed to raise funds for Surakshit Bachpan Fund (Safe Childhood Fund) to provide immediate medical, legal, and psychological assistance to child victims of child labour, sex crimes and abuse.

Red FM called upon their listeners to donate a minimum amount of INR 1,000 towards the cause and an amount of INR 8,551,428 was raised.

During the campaign the Foundation along with Red FM RJ Raunac had also conducted 5 live raids in Delhi where a total of 63 children were rescued.

Summing up the initiative Red FM COO Nisha Narayanan said: “Our aim is to take up a cause that is affecting the nation widely and using radio as a medium to appeal to our listeners to raise funds to combat the situation. We believe our collaboration with Satyarthi’s ‘Surakshit Bachpan’ initiative will bring a positive change in the lives of young souls. The reach of radio is far and wide and will help percolate the message to stop child labour and child exploitation by educating and mobilizing the masses.”

Kailash Satyarthi said: “Radio was a tool for my activism when I started my fight against child labour. Radio as a broadcast medium has a far-reaching impact and the ability to reach out to the most remote areas. I am happy that the message of Safe Childhood could reach the masses.”

Indian network 93.5 Red FM, along with its sister concern Suryan FM in Tamil Nadu, is slated to further expand its network in the country with a series of station launches.

The move is considered to be an exercise to further consolidate the owner Sun Group’s position as a leading player in the Indian radio industry.

Suryan FM recently saw the launch of three new stations in Vellore and Salem at 93.9 and Erode at 91.9 frequency, taking the network presence to a total 10 cities in the state of Tamil Nadu.

The year began with station launches for Red FM in Jammu, Srinagar and Mumbai (with Magic 106.4 FM). It will be expanding to Dehradun, Dhule, Nanded and Muzaffarpur this month.

Speaking on the expansion, Nisha Narayanan, COO, Red FM said: "In line with our Phase III launch, the expansion is a strategic endeavuor to tap into more markets. We take great care in localizing content as per our audience's ever-evolving preferences and vernacular content is a sizeable part of our offerings.”

B Surendar, COO (South), Red FM said: "Suryan FM is one of our most popular radio stations in Tamil Nadu and the new stations launched in Erode, Salem and Vellore will cater to even more people apart from our already strong markets like Chennai, Coimbatore, Tirunelveli, Madurai, Trichy and Pondicherry. Salem will also have the distinguished privilege of being the first all-woman radio station in all of south India.”

Two well-known companies in the Indian radio industry are planning to come together to create more value for shareholders.

Next Radio Ltd, which runs 94.3 Radio One, and HT Media Ltd, which operates Fever and Radio Nasha are proposing a merger to take advantage of a larger combined metro play subject to the approval of shareholders, legal bodies and the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.

While Radio One is a pioneer in the international format space, Fever and Radio Nasha are leaders in the Hindi CHR and Retro radio space respectively.

Seven stations of Fever FM and Radio Nasha (two each in Delhi and Mumbai, and Bangalore, Kolkata and Chennai) and all six stations of Radio One (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai and Pune) will aim to come together in a proposed merged entity.

Both radio companies, for now, will continue to operate ‘independently’ as before since the proposed merger is subject to government approval.

Once the merger has all the requisite approvals, HT Media and its shareholders will hold 74% and Next Radio shareholders will hold 26% in the merged entity.

Vineet Singh Hukmani, MD & CEO Radio One and Harshad Jain, CEO Fever FM, will continue to function in their respective leadership roles.

Sales teams of both companies will continue to function independently as before and will not sell any combination products.

Any decision related to programming for both the companies, during this interim period, will be independently taken by the respective management teams.

The companies are looking at a time-frame of 12-18 months to finalise the proposed merger.

India’s Music Broadcast Limited (MBL), which owns the Radio City network, has reported its Financial Results for the Quarter ended June 30, 2018.

According to the company, key highlights include: rate hike in all core markets, improving Utilizations in Phase III Markets with a positive contribution to EBITDA and 34.4% operating margin delivery testimony of fixed costs and operating leverage playing out.

In continuation of Group's philosophy to reward shareholders, promoters & key managerial personnel will not participate in buy back, buy back route is through open market at a price up to Rs 385 and buy back will be to the extent of Rs 570 million against cash PAT of Rs 780 million.

Commenting on the results Apurva Purohit, Director said: "I am pleased to inform you that our Company continued its trend of delivering stronger than expected EBITDA Margins with this quarter's margin being 34%. Our topline showed a growth of 8%, on the back of rate hikes in all 12 core markets and improved utilizations in the Phase III stations in accordance with our strategy formulated for the year. Our PAT growth which is more than 3 times of the top line growth at 25% reiterates the fixed cost nature of our business as well as validates the strategic choices we made while bidding, i.e. to expand our geographic footprint, rather than deepen it at unviable costs. Continuing our Group's philosophy of rewarding Shareholders without compromising with the liquidity that may be needed in future for inorganic growth, the Board of Directors have approved the share Buy Back programme of Rs.57 Cr at a price upto Rs. 385 per share. Even post the Buy Back our Balance Sheet remains strong to support future inorganic growth. Going forward, the growth would be contributed by a mix of yield improvement & inventory growth with Phase III markets increasing their share in Company's revenues and profits. Additionally, the enhancement of our footprint to 72% of the FM reach, through the recent acquisition of Friends FM in a key market like Kolkata, becomes a more formidable network for our advertisers.”

Indian network 93.5 Red FM has initiated an original series of quick story-telling sessions titled Short-cuts which will wrap up within two minutes but not without a twisted ending.

Narrated by RJ Praveen, Short-cuts will be played across all the stations of network, along with a video narrative of each story being put up on social media pages of Red FM.

The listeners will be served with two fresh stories every week. 

Commenting on the programme, Nisha Narayanan, COO, Red FM, says: “Story-telling and audio narratives are back with a bang and listeners are looking forward to exciting story telling formats on radio. With most listeners running behind their busy schedules, this time we have tweaked the story-telling format to a swift one, accompanied by short films for every story on digital platform. The two minutes stories will have twisted and exciting endings.”

“It is all about creating meaningful content which aims to revive the golden days of radio, when it was the ultimate medium of entertainment. Short-cuts is an inventive way of story-telling in digital age where both on-air and online mediums will be utilized for effective narrative. Harnessing the ingenuity of our creative resource we promise to deliver the most thrilling experience to our audience,” said RJ Praveen, who has conceptualised the entire initiative along with Ranjit Pathak, the National Creative Head at Red FM.

Indian network Big FM has announced a strategic association with JAM8 (Just About Music, a production house founded by music director Pritam Chakraborty.

The partnership will witness original music being created by the top-of-the-line music talent at JAM8 for the network. 

Speaking about the association, Asheesh Chatterjee, CFO, BIG FM said: "Music connects everyone and is a perfect medium to create a long-lasting impact in the minds of the listeners. With our association with JAM 8, we would deliver high quality music embedded in client's messaging."

Pritam said: " Music is the best way to amplify any campaign and we look forward to an effective collaboration that will go a long way in fulfilling our shared objectives of promoting new talent and creating original songs."

Indian network Radio City is trying to help citizens of Mumbai with monsoon woes through its "Kar Mumbaikar" initiative.

The eight-week long campaign, which aims at resolving city specific issues that Mumbaikars face in their locality, was launched by breakfast show hosts RJ Salil and RJ Archana in the last week of July.

Bollywood Celebrities like Akshay Kumar, Tapsee Pannu, Darshan Rawal, Jimmy Shergill, John Abraham, Mahi Gill and Chitrangadha Singh have voiced their support towards the activity.

The campaign conducts an on-ground meeting in the presence of local authorities and directs them to address and solve grievances.

Issues that are being addressed as part of the initiative range from potholes, sewage, water contamination, weak bridges, mosquitos, livewires and more.

Kartik Kalla, Chief Creative Officer, Radio City, said: Mumbaikars face several challenges during monsoon every year which severely limits the way they live. The primary motive behind this initiative is to utilize the power of radio as a medium to influence change and enhance the standard of living."

RJs Salil and Archana said: "Being hardcore Mumbaikars ourselves, we understand how monsoon is a difficult time for everyone. So we have taken it upon ourselves to help people in all parts of Mumbai to resolve the problems they grapple with during monsoon."

India's romantic radio station Ishq 104.8 FM is all set to launch the second season of its iconic radio show, ‘Calling Karan’, hosted by Bollywood film maker Karan Johar. 

The show is slated to go on air from August 13, Monday to Friday, at 10 am and 8 pm.

Drawing inspiration from his own life's experiences, Johar gives listeners some straight up advice on love and relationships, interspersed with celebrity call-ins and interesting trivia.

A host of celebs, including Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan, Anushka Sharma, Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif were featured in its first season.

The station launched the second season at an event called The Love Conference, which featured Karan Johar, Imtiaz Ali, Neha Dhupia, Ranvijay Singh and Miss Malini in a panel discussion on modern day relationship issues.

It was followed by a stand-up act by Anirban Dasgupta and an unplugged musical performance by Jonita Gandhi.

Shivangini Jajoria, National Head, Operations, Ishq 104.8 FM said: "Ishq FM is constantly trying to raise the bar for engaging content. Be it Calling Karan, or Gaydio – India's first mainstream LGBTQ show, or Romance in Rome – which is probably India's biggest travel quiz show, our shows have struck an instant chord with the young adults. Ishq's promise of '70% less ads' is a win-win for both listeners and advertisers."

Karan Johar said: "In season 2, I am not playing it safe. I am saying things as it is and it is going to be bold. I would say people should call me because they are going through a crises, just like how I'm going through a mid-life crises. We can all solve our crises together."

With less than one week to go until the start of the 2018/19 season, talkSPORT has entered an agreement with SPORTS FLASHES to bring Premier League live audio to fans in India.

talkSPORT is the world's biggest sports radio station and is global audio partner of the Premier League.

It controls an exclusive package of international audio rights that allows the station to broadcast official live commentary of all 380 matches in any language to listeners around the world, outside of the UK and Republic of Ireland. The station has the rights until 2022.

The agreement means that Sports Flashes will stream live audio commentary of all 380 Premier League matches in English. The audio deal is innovational, and establishes Sports Flashes not only as a unique platform to promote Indian Sports but also the go to destination for fans on the move seeking audio coverage of one of the world's most coveted domestic leagues.

"talkSPORT is an International giant and the official global voice of the Premier League. We are proud to partner with them to serve the Indian sports fan audience. While providing premium access to premium International football coverage, we are sure to further increase the reach of Sports in the country," said Raman Raheja, Founder, Sports Flashes India.

"We believe Sports Flashes, as a go-to sport platform, will have the ability to bring the passion and excitement of the English Premier League to Indian fans," said Jimmy Buckland, International Director, talkSPORT.  "talkSPORT has the unique ability to provide world-class commentary and expert insight alongside all of the live drama of a 90-minute football match. We can't wait for a new audience to access the English Premier League in a whole new way."

The audio streams will be available via the Sports Flashes Mobile App and desktop browsers in India.

The 28^th edition of the Broadcast India Show will be held from October 25 to 27 at Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai.

Every year for over two and a half decades, the Broadcast India Show has been a platform that showcases the paradigm shift in infotainment technology across the globe; allowing one to connect first-hand with the innovators and learn their trade directly from them.

The Indian Media and Entertainment sector is one of the fastest growing industries in the country. The sector grew 11% to USD 20 billion in total revenue, in the financial year 2016; according to a a report by FICCI. It is expected to touch USD 35 billion by the financial year 2021.

With the Broadcast India Show 2018, it's time to make way for the next-gen broadcast technology - faster, easier, more productive and definitely more creative ways of working with radio, audio, broadcast, film and everything else that contributes to the infotainment industry - from its content creation to its management and delivery. Companies and corporates, veterans and professionals, suppliers and customers, visionaries, and other stakeholders from across the world will gather to realize opportunities, establish trade connections and facilitate resource pooling

The conference program dives straight into the intricacies of content; inviting CEOs, Directors, Proprietors of companies along with engineers and technicians to conduct technical presentations, product promotions and in-depth discussions.

The last edition of the Broadcast India Show saw over 9,862 unique visitors and over 500 brands participants from more than 36 countries coming together.

Visit www.broadcastindiashow.com for more details.

Indian network Radio City announced the launch of the 10^th season of its singing talent hunt Super Singer. This year, the contest will expand to reach 39 cities across the country.

The current season is expected to reach over 67 million listeners, providing participants with a strong foundation to showcase their talent to the entire country. Many of the previous winners have made it big in Bollywood.

The auditions for the latest season are underway. Participants can submit entries at Radio City studios, with Radio City branded vehicle moving around the city or on the station’s social media platforms.

The winner will be chosen from the top 5 finalists at the grand finale in Mumbai on September 2.  

Kartik Kalla, Chief Creative Officer, Radio City said: "We received an overwhelming response last year with approximately 600,000 participations which is a testimony to the scale and engagement driven by the property."

Abraham Thomas has stepped down as the CEO of Indian network Radio City after serving nearly three years.

Former COO Ashit Kukian is returning to take over his position.

This will be Kukian’s second stint with the network, where he was the President and Chief Operating Officer from 2005-15.

He will report to Apurva Purohit, President of Jagran Prakashan – the company which owns Radio City. 

Thomas’ resignation will be effective September 30, and he will be moving on to pursue other business interests.

Kukian was earlier with iTV Network as COO-NewsX & CRO-iTV Regionals, Entertainment & Sports Businesses. His last role was President – Revenue for Times Network.