Chennai, July 3 (PTI): The Centre, which allowed 20 per cent Foreign DirectInvestment in private FM radio services, will create common infrastructurefor these channels in nine cities, including Chennai, Bangalore andHyderabad, a note prepared by the Information and Broadcasing Ministry said.A total of 48 FM channels would be available for bidding by the privatesector on the common infrastructure network created by the Government inthese nine cities, it said.The other cities where the common infrastructure would be created for FMchannels include Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Jaipur, Pune and Surat.In Chennai and Delhi, six channels each would be available for biddings onphase-II of private FM Radio Broadcasting, after earmarking a total of sevenchannels (Chennai-3 and Delhi-4) for IGNOU and other educationalinstitutions, it said.Hyderabad and Bangalore would have the highest number of channels availablefor bidding at seven each, while Kolkata and Mumbai would have five FM radiochannels each for bidding, it said.The Centre on Friday announced the second phase of private FM radiobroadcasting, replacing the existing licensing model with a revenue sharingregime.While five channels will be available for bidding in Jaipur, another fourwould be up for grabs in Surat. In Pune, the number of channels availablefor bidding is three.A total of 24 channels in these nine cities would be earmarked for IGNOU andother educational channels, it said.
http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/002200507030359.htm
Sunday, July 03, 2005
Riding high on radio waves
AIR programme touches off a small revolution in rural pockets
ARTI SAHULIYAR
Ranchi, July 1: Laxmi Oraon was tired of the daily struggle for water. Atthe crack of dawn, she and a bunch of women from her village would hit adusty 13-km trail that ended at a well in a place called Getalsud. The lonewell and the four handpumps in her block failed to quench the thirst of the15 villages that made up the Angada block.She recalled the numerous failed trips made by the village men to thedistrict's corridors of power in an attempt to get a new handpump forAngada. Then, someone suggested the Community Radio Programme (CRP), ahalf-an-hour programme on the AIR, aired every Sunday evening.As the request for help from the Angada residents crackled through the radiotwo weeks later on the community programme, an assistant engineer of thePHED department volunteered to support the pump project. Earlier this month,the pump was inaugurated amid much cheer from Laxmi and her villagefolk.Similar such requests on the radio programme have managed to get for theresidents of far-flung areas of the state what the administration could notgive.Coordinator of the programme at Angada block, Malya Bedia, says the radiohas made the villagers aware of the different developmental schemes meantfor the block. She also recalled how the radio was used to connect to themasses about the need to get children and, especially girls, educated."A play was staged themed on the importance of education and it was aired onthe AIR. The next thing we found was that many organisations were comingforward to build the schools," added Bedia.Explaining how the CRP was started with the aim of providing the villagersan opportunity to air their grievances, programme executive Devi Roy said:"The residents did not know who to talk about the problems. We just providedthem with a platform." The programme was a joint effort by the AIR, a localNGO called Manthan Yuva Sansthan and a Delhi-based NGO, Charka.Meena, a 12-year-old, is perhaps one of the best examples of the smallrevolution that has touched these rural backwaters. Six months ago, thebubbly child would spend the day finishing up household chores and learningto cook. "I go to school now. I like maths. My mother says it is important,"she says, enthusiasm written all over her small happy face.
www.telegraphindia.com/1050702/asp/jamshedpur/story_4940628.asp
ARTI SAHULIYAR
Ranchi, July 1: Laxmi Oraon was tired of the daily struggle for water. Atthe crack of dawn, she and a bunch of women from her village would hit adusty 13-km trail that ended at a well in a place called Getalsud. The lonewell and the four handpumps in her block failed to quench the thirst of the15 villages that made up the Angada block.She recalled the numerous failed trips made by the village men to thedistrict's corridors of power in an attempt to get a new handpump forAngada. Then, someone suggested the Community Radio Programme (CRP), ahalf-an-hour programme on the AIR, aired every Sunday evening.As the request for help from the Angada residents crackled through the radiotwo weeks later on the community programme, an assistant engineer of thePHED department volunteered to support the pump project. Earlier this month,the pump was inaugurated amid much cheer from Laxmi and her villagefolk.Similar such requests on the radio programme have managed to get for theresidents of far-flung areas of the state what the administration could notgive.Coordinator of the programme at Angada block, Malya Bedia, says the radiohas made the villagers aware of the different developmental schemes meantfor the block. She also recalled how the radio was used to connect to themasses about the need to get children and, especially girls, educated."A play was staged themed on the importance of education and it was aired onthe AIR. The next thing we found was that many organisations were comingforward to build the schools," added Bedia.Explaining how the CRP was started with the aim of providing the villagersan opportunity to air their grievances, programme executive Devi Roy said:"The residents did not know who to talk about the problems. We just providedthem with a platform." The programme was a joint effort by the AIR, a localNGO called Manthan Yuva Sansthan and a Delhi-based NGO, Charka.Meena, a 12-year-old, is perhaps one of the best examples of the smallrevolution that has touched these rural backwaters. Six months ago, thebubbly child would spend the day finishing up household chores and learningto cook. "I go to school now. I like maths. My mother says it is important,"she says, enthusiasm written all over her small happy face.
www.telegraphindia.com/1050702/asp/jamshedpur/story_4940628.asp
Radio ga-ga - Revenue-sharing shift should do wonders for FM
Posted online: Saturday, July 02, 2005 at 0000 hours IST
The government's decision to allow existing players in FM to shift from theexisting licence fee regime to a revenue-sharing one is a welcome, thoughbelated, policy correction. It is bound to lend cheer to an industry thathas been struggling for almost five years within the confines of an absurdpolicy framework. Together with the other relaxations in the policy on FMradio - notably, inclusion of foreign direct investment within the overallforeign investment limit - the new policy should see a rekindling ofinterest in FM radio.About time, too. After the first flush of enthusiasm that saw a rush ofplayers bid unrealistically high licence fees when the sector was opened toprivate sector entry in 2000, interest in FM radio had all but disappeared.The reason was simple. Players discovered the returns were just notcommensurate to what they had bid. So, while the government got bids for 101of the 108 frequencies auctioned, and for an aggregate amount of Rs 425crore against the estimated amount of Rs 79.65 crore, the actual amountcollected was far less. Bidders for 64 frequencies defaulted, so only Rs158.8 crore could be collected from 37 frequencies.Worse was to follow. Even of these 37, as many as 13 did not operationalisetheir licences and opted, instead, to surrender them. A few players battledon, even as their losses mounted, in the hope that the government wouldaccede to their pleas to free them from their licence obligations and shiftto a revenue-sharing model. Their hopes have now been realised. Whileexisting players will be allowed to migrate to revenue-sharing, bids for thenext phase of FM will be based on the principle of revenue-sharing. Playersare understandably elated. The recent regulatory corrections should see moregrowth, more revenue and more employment across the country.The parallels with the telecom industry are striking. It was only when the initial licence fee regime (that led to mobile telephones being priced out ofthe reach of most) was replaced by a revenue-sharing model, that we saw aboom in mobile telephony. Hopefully, the same experience will now bereplicated in the FM space. But the government's job is not yet done. Itneeds to reconsider the ban on broadcast of news and current affairs. Theexperience with TV should be a good model to go by. There is no reason whywe should have a different set of rules for radio, as compared totelevision. Policy arbitrariness has no place in a globalising economy.http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=95328
The government's decision to allow existing players in FM to shift from theexisting licence fee regime to a revenue-sharing one is a welcome, thoughbelated, policy correction. It is bound to lend cheer to an industry thathas been struggling for almost five years within the confines of an absurdpolicy framework. Together with the other relaxations in the policy on FMradio - notably, inclusion of foreign direct investment within the overallforeign investment limit - the new policy should see a rekindling ofinterest in FM radio.About time, too. After the first flush of enthusiasm that saw a rush ofplayers bid unrealistically high licence fees when the sector was opened toprivate sector entry in 2000, interest in FM radio had all but disappeared.The reason was simple. Players discovered the returns were just notcommensurate to what they had bid. So, while the government got bids for 101of the 108 frequencies auctioned, and for an aggregate amount of Rs 425crore against the estimated amount of Rs 79.65 crore, the actual amountcollected was far less. Bidders for 64 frequencies defaulted, so only Rs158.8 crore could be collected from 37 frequencies.Worse was to follow. Even of these 37, as many as 13 did not operationalisetheir licences and opted, instead, to surrender them. A few players battledon, even as their losses mounted, in the hope that the government wouldaccede to their pleas to free them from their licence obligations and shiftto a revenue-sharing model. Their hopes have now been realised. Whileexisting players will be allowed to migrate to revenue-sharing, bids for thenext phase of FM will be based on the principle of revenue-sharing. Playersare understandably elated. The recent regulatory corrections should see moregrowth, more revenue and more employment across the country.The parallels with the telecom industry are striking. It was only when the initial licence fee regime (that led to mobile telephones being priced out ofthe reach of most) was replaced by a revenue-sharing model, that we saw aboom in mobile telephony. Hopefully, the same experience will now bereplicated in the FM space. But the government's job is not yet done. Itneeds to reconsider the ban on broadcast of news and current affairs. Theexperience with TV should be a good model to go by. There is no reason whywe should have a different set of rules for radio, as compared totelevision. Policy arbitrariness has no place in a globalising economy.http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=95328
AIR Kolkata transmission hit
Kolkata, June. 30 (PTI): Train services and transmission from All IndiaRadio station were disrupted by widespread power cuts in the metropolistoday following a technical fault at a sub-station of West Bengal StateElectricity Board.Train services on all electrified sections remained suspended between 8.18am to 9.20 am because power supplies from five grids of WBSEB to EasternRailway's Sealdah Division failed, railway sources said.Large areas, including the posh satellite township of Salt Lake, wentwithout power when the 400-kv sub-station of the WBSEB at Jeerat, nearBarasat in North 24 Parganas district tripped, an SEB spokesman said.As a precautionary measure, five units of Bandel thermal power station wereshut down, he said.AIR transmission had stopped at 8.16 am and resumed more than an hour laterat 9.28 am, official sources said.
Friday, July 01, 2005
Govt allows FDI in private FM radio; says no to news
Friday July 1 2005 00:00 IST
PTI
NEW DELHI: Launching a major expansion programme for private FM radio services, the government allowed 20 per cent foreign direct investment in the sector on Thursday and decided on a revenue share regime against the existing licence fee structure to allow a total of 330 stations in 90 cities.
The Union Cabinet, which met here to thrash out the policy framework for the second phase of FM radio licensing, however, decided to continue the ban on news and current affairs.
"Time has come for revival of radio in the country and the government has planned a huge expansion of the private FM radio network which will lead to generation of employment and opportunities and encourage talent," Information and Broadcasting Minister S Jaipal Reddy told reporters here.
"Even as we have decided to allow FDI at the existing 20 per cent cap for FIIS, OCBs and NRIs, there will be no news permitted on private FM channels under the present regime," the Minister said.
The licence fee regime adopted in the first phase proved to be disastrous for the growth of FM radio sector where of the 108 frequencies put on bid, only 21 were operational, two of which have also given notice to close down.
Reddy said the operators will now have to shell four per cent of their revenue as annual licence fee, adding that existing operators will also be allowed to migrate to the new regime and there "would be no black-listing" of any player.
Bidding for the second phase will start in about a month's time, he said, observing that "the government has not looked at the revenue aspect at all" while framing the new policy. "The idea is to encourage expansion of radio in the private sector," he said.
Asked about broadcast of news and current affairs, he said, "We have not looked at this aspect at all... I am not saying no... Actually I have not taken a decision on this aspect as several issues have to be looked into before taking a view."
Reddy said in framing the new policy, the government had accepted most of the recommendations of the radio broadcast policy committee under the chairmanship of FICCI's Amit Mitra as well as that of broadcast regulator TRAI.
He said in the second phase, the cities would be divided into four broad categories -- A, B, C and D -- starting from the metros and flowing down to the smaller ones.
The number of operators in the a category (metros) will be restricted to about 10-11 players while in B cities it will be six, four in C and two in D towns.
"The new players will have to pay a one-time entry fee through close bidding process, and each successful bidder will pay as per his bid amount," Reddy said, explaining the manner in which the second phase licences will be awarded.
Existing operators will have to pay the average bid amount of new players.
"The government will not black-list any player on the basis of ongoing litigation in various courts... We will allow everyone to participate in the new bidding process," he added.
Observing that competition will be a key element under the new regime, Reddy said "no private radio can only run on film music. They have to generate their own content to survive."
Reddy said the government plans to set up a quasi-judicial regulatory authority to deal with disputes, pending which the ministry will have regulatory powers.
http://www.newindpress.com/NewsItems.asp?ID=IEL20050630031031&Page=L&Title=B+R+E+A+K+I+N+G++++N+E+W+S&Topic=0
PTI
NEW DELHI: Launching a major expansion programme for private FM radio services, the government allowed 20 per cent foreign direct investment in the sector on Thursday and decided on a revenue share regime against the existing licence fee structure to allow a total of 330 stations in 90 cities.
The Union Cabinet, which met here to thrash out the policy framework for the second phase of FM radio licensing, however, decided to continue the ban on news and current affairs.
"Time has come for revival of radio in the country and the government has planned a huge expansion of the private FM radio network which will lead to generation of employment and opportunities and encourage talent," Information and Broadcasting Minister S Jaipal Reddy told reporters here.
"Even as we have decided to allow FDI at the existing 20 per cent cap for FIIS, OCBs and NRIs, there will be no news permitted on private FM channels under the present regime," the Minister said.
The licence fee regime adopted in the first phase proved to be disastrous for the growth of FM radio sector where of the 108 frequencies put on bid, only 21 were operational, two of which have also given notice to close down.
Reddy said the operators will now have to shell four per cent of their revenue as annual licence fee, adding that existing operators will also be allowed to migrate to the new regime and there "would be no black-listing" of any player.
Bidding for the second phase will start in about a month's time, he said, observing that "the government has not looked at the revenue aspect at all" while framing the new policy. "The idea is to encourage expansion of radio in the private sector," he said.
Asked about broadcast of news and current affairs, he said, "We have not looked at this aspect at all... I am not saying no... Actually I have not taken a decision on this aspect as several issues have to be looked into before taking a view."
Reddy said in framing the new policy, the government had accepted most of the recommendations of the radio broadcast policy committee under the chairmanship of FICCI's Amit Mitra as well as that of broadcast regulator TRAI.
He said in the second phase, the cities would be divided into four broad categories -- A, B, C and D -- starting from the metros and flowing down to the smaller ones.
The number of operators in the a category (metros) will be restricted to about 10-11 players while in B cities it will be six, four in C and two in D towns.
"The new players will have to pay a one-time entry fee through close bidding process, and each successful bidder will pay as per his bid amount," Reddy said, explaining the manner in which the second phase licences will be awarded.
Existing operators will have to pay the average bid amount of new players.
"The government will not black-list any player on the basis of ongoing litigation in various courts... We will allow everyone to participate in the new bidding process," he added.
Observing that competition will be a key element under the new regime, Reddy said "no private radio can only run on film music. They have to generate their own content to survive."
Reddy said the government plans to set up a quasi-judicial regulatory authority to deal with disputes, pending which the ministry will have regulatory powers.
http://www.newindpress.com/NewsItems.asp?ID=IEL20050630031031&Page=L&Title=B+R+E+A+K+I+N+G++++N+E+W+S&Topic=0
Centre to launch two new music channels
Chennai, June 29: The Centre will soon launch two new music channels, one for Hindustani Classical music and another for Carnatic Classical music, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Jaipal Reddy said today.
While one of the channels would be started from Lucknow, the other would be launched from Tiruchirappalli in Tamil Nadu. Both these channels would be available on DD DTH platform, so that lovers of classical music could avail this music in digital quality for most of the time, he said.
Releasing 'Akashvani Sangeet' CDs and Cassettes of doyens of carnatic music, late M S Subbulakshmi, Alathur Brothers and 'Ariyakudi' Ramanuja Iyengar, at the music academy here tonight, he said the Doordarshan DTH now had space only for 33 channels and 17 more would soon be added when these two new music channels would be 'mounted'.
Stressing that All India Radio (AIR) would also focus on folk music, Reddy said 'we have decided to go in for huge expansion of FM radio in the private sector.
We will set up 330 AIR stations throughout the country in as many as 80 new cities, thus laying more focus on growth rather than on earning more revenue.
Reddy said the first phase of the private sector radio expansion did not succeed in full as lot of emphasis was laid on revenue earning rather than on growth. "Now, I am reversing this priority so that people will be able to enjoy more radio in general and more radio in the private sector".
In an obvious reference to the All India Radio losing out to private FM channels, he said all efforts would be made "within our powers to see that radio is revived."
Speaking about the proposed music channels he said: "The golden voice of M S Subbulakshmi, Alathur brothers and of others would be avaiable now to everyone", he said adding that music and peace were intertwined. "Where there is music, there will be peace".
Reddy said Doordarshan's DTH was the only 'free-to-air' DTH available in the world today. The unique feature of it DD DTH was that 'we are able to accommodate all the radio channels in it'. "We are also planning to release AIR folk music in digital quality. Our entire archives, the richest in the world today, had been digitalised by harnessing the latest technology".
The Prasar Bharati now had all the speech of leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel, Rabindranath Tagore and all Prime Ministers and Presidents. "All these have been preserved in digital form. The problem with the Prasar Bharati is that we have lot of good things but do not know how to disseminate them".
Paying encomia to the music doyens whose CDs were released today, the minister said Government cannot remain 'indifferent' to the fate of arts. Governments should be eliminated from intervening or interfering in arts. The AIR had played glorious role in promotion and preservation of classic music.
Jaipal Reddy said historically the All India Radio in the country had rendered greater service, be it Hindustani music or Carnatic music.
"We have record of 10,000 hours of classical music. We have rare recordings of doyens of both the music".
Reddy handed over the first CD of Subbulakshmi to another maestro of Carnatic music, Balamurali Krishna, the CD of Alathur brothers to the Editor-in-Chief of 'The Hindu', N Ram and the CD of Ramanujam Iyengar to Gauri Ramnarayan, a music critic. (Agencies)
Published: Wednesday, June 29, 2005
http://www.chennaionline.com/colnews/newsitem.asp?NEWSID=%7BD4A44789-D575-4340-A838-367CDCC9B155%7D&CATEGORYNAME=Chennai
While one of the channels would be started from Lucknow, the other would be launched from Tiruchirappalli in Tamil Nadu. Both these channels would be available on DD DTH platform, so that lovers of classical music could avail this music in digital quality for most of the time, he said.
Releasing 'Akashvani Sangeet' CDs and Cassettes of doyens of carnatic music, late M S Subbulakshmi, Alathur Brothers and 'Ariyakudi' Ramanuja Iyengar, at the music academy here tonight, he said the Doordarshan DTH now had space only for 33 channels and 17 more would soon be added when these two new music channels would be 'mounted'.
Stressing that All India Radio (AIR) would also focus on folk music, Reddy said 'we have decided to go in for huge expansion of FM radio in the private sector.
We will set up 330 AIR stations throughout the country in as many as 80 new cities, thus laying more focus on growth rather than on earning more revenue.
Reddy said the first phase of the private sector radio expansion did not succeed in full as lot of emphasis was laid on revenue earning rather than on growth. "Now, I am reversing this priority so that people will be able to enjoy more radio in general and more radio in the private sector".
In an obvious reference to the All India Radio losing out to private FM channels, he said all efforts would be made "within our powers to see that radio is revived."
Speaking about the proposed music channels he said: "The golden voice of M S Subbulakshmi, Alathur brothers and of others would be avaiable now to everyone", he said adding that music and peace were intertwined. "Where there is music, there will be peace".
Reddy said Doordarshan's DTH was the only 'free-to-air' DTH available in the world today. The unique feature of it DD DTH was that 'we are able to accommodate all the radio channels in it'. "We are also planning to release AIR folk music in digital quality. Our entire archives, the richest in the world today, had been digitalised by harnessing the latest technology".
The Prasar Bharati now had all the speech of leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Patel, Rabindranath Tagore and all Prime Ministers and Presidents. "All these have been preserved in digital form. The problem with the Prasar Bharati is that we have lot of good things but do not know how to disseminate them".
Paying encomia to the music doyens whose CDs were released today, the minister said Government cannot remain 'indifferent' to the fate of arts. Governments should be eliminated from intervening or interfering in arts. The AIR had played glorious role in promotion and preservation of classic music.
Jaipal Reddy said historically the All India Radio in the country had rendered greater service, be it Hindustani music or Carnatic music.
"We have record of 10,000 hours of classical music. We have rare recordings of doyens of both the music".
Reddy handed over the first CD of Subbulakshmi to another maestro of Carnatic music, Balamurali Krishna, the CD of Alathur brothers to the Editor-in-Chief of 'The Hindu', N Ram and the CD of Ramanujam Iyengar to Gauri Ramnarayan, a music critic. (Agencies)
Published: Wednesday, June 29, 2005
http://www.chennaionline.com/colnews/newsitem.asp?NEWSID=%7BD4A44789-D575-4340-A838-367CDCC9B155%7D&CATEGORYNAME=Chennai
Sunday, June 26, 2005
SW Radio Africa saved from closure
By Staff Reporter
Last updated: 06/25/2005 21:13:04
SW RADIO Africa which has been teetering on the brink of collapse is nowsafe, it was confirmed on Friday."SW Radio Africa is very pleased to announce that we have been saved fromclosure," the station's manager Gerry Jackson said in a brief statement."We will therefore be able to continue broadcasting on Medium Wave 1197kHzfrom 5 - 7am every morning. This signal is clearly heard throughout SouthAfrica and over most of Zimbabwe. We regret that due to the relentlessjamming of our Shortwave signal by the government we are unable to providethis service at the moment."Jackson did not say where the money had come from, but indications were thatthe station was now safe for another year.The award winning radio station needs close to £100 000 every month toremain in operation, according to insiders.
http://www.newzimbabwe.com/pages/fm14.12786.html
Last updated: 06/25/2005 21:13:04
SW RADIO Africa which has been teetering on the brink of collapse is nowsafe, it was confirmed on Friday."SW Radio Africa is very pleased to announce that we have been saved fromclosure," the station's manager Gerry Jackson said in a brief statement."We will therefore be able to continue broadcasting on Medium Wave 1197kHzfrom 5 - 7am every morning. This signal is clearly heard throughout SouthAfrica and over most of Zimbabwe. We regret that due to the relentlessjamming of our Shortwave signal by the government we are unable to providethis service at the moment."Jackson did not say where the money had come from, but indications were thatthe station was now safe for another year.The award winning radio station needs close to £100 000 every month toremain in operation, according to insiders.
http://www.newzimbabwe.com/pages/fm14.12786.html
New policy awaited to boost FM
ASHISH SINHA
Posted online: Saturday, June 25, 2005 at 0059 hours IST
NEW DELHI, JUNE 24: What would be the way forward for private FM radio inIndia? The question has been bothering the industry for a while as it seesits revenues dip with no solution in sight.Pending cabinet's apporval are Trai's recommendations on the implementationof Phase-II of FM in India, as envisaged in the Tenth plan, which talksabout expanding the FM umbrella cover to 60% population of India."A lot of the success of Phase-II will depend on the policy measures. A goodpolicy will almost certainly give a boost to the industry. A bad policy onthe other hand may lead to a repeat of history of radio may never attain itsopportunity," cautioned Prashant Panday, COO, Radio Mirchi.Trai, while consenting with the findings of Dr Amit Mitra committee on RadioBroadcasting, has recommended that the existing license fee structure wouldbe changed to one with a one time entry fee and a revenue share of 4% ofgross revenue.Inclusion of news and current affairs as content on private FM, was anotherdemand of the industry.Trai in its report has said: "...Coverage of news and current affairs shouldbe reviewed. These restrictions should be lifted once the securityimplications of this step are adequately addressed..." "News will increasethe scope and reach of FM by several folds. We will get listnership by'appointment', which would bring in more advertisers too," senior Radioprofessional said.Currently, the radio ad-spots are sold in the range of Rs 500 to Rs 1,500per 10 seconds and there aren't too many takers for the medium. Concurs CVLSrinivas, managing director - MAXUS, India & Asia Pacific. "Not too manyadvertisers have utilised the power of radio as a medium but you can't blamethem.
"http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=94753
Posted online: Saturday, June 25, 2005 at 0059 hours IST
NEW DELHI, JUNE 24: What would be the way forward for private FM radio inIndia? The question has been bothering the industry for a while as it seesits revenues dip with no solution in sight.Pending cabinet's apporval are Trai's recommendations on the implementationof Phase-II of FM in India, as envisaged in the Tenth plan, which talksabout expanding the FM umbrella cover to 60% population of India."A lot of the success of Phase-II will depend on the policy measures. A goodpolicy will almost certainly give a boost to the industry. A bad policy onthe other hand may lead to a repeat of history of radio may never attain itsopportunity," cautioned Prashant Panday, COO, Radio Mirchi.Trai, while consenting with the findings of Dr Amit Mitra committee on RadioBroadcasting, has recommended that the existing license fee structure wouldbe changed to one with a one time entry fee and a revenue share of 4% ofgross revenue.Inclusion of news and current affairs as content on private FM, was anotherdemand of the industry.Trai in its report has said: "...Coverage of news and current affairs shouldbe reviewed. These restrictions should be lifted once the securityimplications of this step are adequately addressed..." "News will increasethe scope and reach of FM by several folds. We will get listnership by'appointment', which would bring in more advertisers too," senior Radioprofessional said.Currently, the radio ad-spots are sold in the range of Rs 500 to Rs 1,500per 10 seconds and there aren't too many takers for the medium. Concurs CVLSrinivas, managing director - MAXUS, India & Asia Pacific. "Not too manyadvertisers have utilised the power of radio as a medium but you can't blamethem.
"http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=94753
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
World's largest school launches FM Radio
Monday, 20 June , 2005, 09:52
Lucknow: The world's largest school as recognised by the Guinness Book hasmade its foray into the media world with the launch of an EducationalFrequency Modulation (FM) Radio Channel. Lucknow-based City Montessori School (CMS) would become the firstintermediate level institution in the country to run an educational FMRadio.Union HRD minister Arjun Singh will inaugurate the Channel on July 1 next ata ceremony here.CMS is the biggest school in a single city anywhere in the world having over29,000 students on its rolls.Addressing a news conference yesterday, CMS Founder-Manager Jagdish Gandhisaid the 90.4 MHz FM Radio would air five hours programme daily in twoshifts from 0700 to 0930 hrs and from 1900 to 2130 hrs.The Channel has materialised with the active support and cooperation of the All India Radio (AIR). ''The Channel aims at establishing a strong link between the students,teachers and parents as well as act as a friendly channel for today'syouth,'' said Gandhi.The FM Radio will also host phone-in programmes featuring guest lectures,career counselling, subject tutorials, interview with child psychologists,teaching sessions, besides quizzes based on general and subject knowledge.''It will encourage students to produce their programmes and act as anchorson the Radio shows,'' he added.United Nations General Assembly has invited Gandhi, also a social activist,to participate and provide inputs from NGOs in the hearings to reform theworld body.http://sify.com/finance/fullstory.php?id=13876534
Lucknow: The world's largest school as recognised by the Guinness Book hasmade its foray into the media world with the launch of an EducationalFrequency Modulation (FM) Radio Channel. Lucknow-based City Montessori School (CMS) would become the firstintermediate level institution in the country to run an educational FMRadio.Union HRD minister Arjun Singh will inaugurate the Channel on July 1 next ata ceremony here.CMS is the biggest school in a single city anywhere in the world having over29,000 students on its rolls.Addressing a news conference yesterday, CMS Founder-Manager Jagdish Gandhisaid the 90.4 MHz FM Radio would air five hours programme daily in twoshifts from 0700 to 0930 hrs and from 1900 to 2130 hrs.The Channel has materialised with the active support and cooperation of the All India Radio (AIR). ''The Channel aims at establishing a strong link between the students,teachers and parents as well as act as a friendly channel for today'syouth,'' said Gandhi.The FM Radio will also host phone-in programmes featuring guest lectures,career counselling, subject tutorials, interview with child psychologists,teaching sessions, besides quizzes based on general and subject knowledge.''It will encourage students to produce their programmes and act as anchorson the Radio shows,'' he added.United Nations General Assembly has invited Gandhi, also a social activist,to participate and provide inputs from NGOs in the hearings to reform theworld body.http://sify.com/finance/fullstory.php?id=13876534
Saturday, June 04, 2005
AIR aims at new image
OUR CORRESPONDENT
Kohima, June 2: They have not been paid fully for the India Shining campaignyet, but it has not stopped All India Radio from thinking of a shiningmakeover of its market image.Market image was the focus of today's inaugural session of the AIR'sthree-day conference of heads of commercial broadcasting services from allover the country.In what was seen as a strong message from director general Brijeshwar Singh,AIR will try to launch itself as more market-savvy, ostensiblyreinterpreting its guiding principle of "Bahujan Hitay Bahujan Sukhaya".The questions are few, they said, commanding many small ideas rather thanone big idea for all the problems.AIR's failure has also been attributed to giants like Airtel or Hyundai,giving short shrift to the mass medium.On the other hand, the participants laughed over customers who "did not needeffort" to get to advertise.However, there are some private players who don't have the right image ofAIR in order to advertise."Indian Airlines told us who listens to All India Radio," explained amarketing officer.There were others, too, who have inspired AIR for a rethink on its brandimage. Airtel, Jet Airways, Air Deccan, Pepsi and even the Railways are saidto have said a "no" to advertising on AIR.Some of the stations have done well by customising programmes and so, doingwell in revenue collection also.Bangalore and Chandigarh did well while Chennai was termed "conservative".But the worst was Calcutta, which is said to have a "negative image".The airwave giant might have posted a revenue of Rs 158 crore last year, butis eyeing Rs 200 crore. It is only two years ago that AIR touched Rs 100crore and the potential is big-time, it has realised. The mindset of havingfewer marketing agencies as the interface is seen as a hurdle to profit.Singh said with less than 1,000 people into marketing, a target of Rs 200crore was not possible. There was need to have better interface, it waspointed out. Next came making better commercial programmes withoutcompromising public service broadcasts and gearing up the team to the marketenvironment."There is no reason but inertia that we cannot be more efficient," Singhsaid. He said there was need for more "products" besides market knowledgeand audience research. More ideas will be churned out during the conferenceand in the valedictory function to be addressed by Prasar Bharati chiefexecutive officer on June 4. http://www.telegraphindia.com/1050603/asp/northeast/
story_4820290.asp
Kohima, June 2: They have not been paid fully for the India Shining campaignyet, but it has not stopped All India Radio from thinking of a shiningmakeover of its market image.Market image was the focus of today's inaugural session of the AIR'sthree-day conference of heads of commercial broadcasting services from allover the country.In what was seen as a strong message from director general Brijeshwar Singh,AIR will try to launch itself as more market-savvy, ostensiblyreinterpreting its guiding principle of "Bahujan Hitay Bahujan Sukhaya".The questions are few, they said, commanding many small ideas rather thanone big idea for all the problems.AIR's failure has also been attributed to giants like Airtel or Hyundai,giving short shrift to the mass medium.On the other hand, the participants laughed over customers who "did not needeffort" to get to advertise.However, there are some private players who don't have the right image ofAIR in order to advertise."Indian Airlines told us who listens to All India Radio," explained amarketing officer.There were others, too, who have inspired AIR for a rethink on its brandimage. Airtel, Jet Airways, Air Deccan, Pepsi and even the Railways are saidto have said a "no" to advertising on AIR.Some of the stations have done well by customising programmes and so, doingwell in revenue collection also.Bangalore and Chandigarh did well while Chennai was termed "conservative".But the worst was Calcutta, which is said to have a "negative image".The airwave giant might have posted a revenue of Rs 158 crore last year, butis eyeing Rs 200 crore. It is only two years ago that AIR touched Rs 100crore and the potential is big-time, it has realised. The mindset of havingfewer marketing agencies as the interface is seen as a hurdle to profit.Singh said with less than 1,000 people into marketing, a target of Rs 200crore was not possible. There was need to have better interface, it waspointed out. Next came making better commercial programmes withoutcompromising public service broadcasts and gearing up the team to the marketenvironment."There is no reason but inertia that we cannot be more efficient," Singhsaid. He said there was need for more "products" besides market knowledgeand audience research. More ideas will be churned out during the conferenceand in the valedictory function to be addressed by Prasar Bharati chiefexecutive officer on June 4. http://www.telegraphindia.com/1050603/asp/northeast/
story_4820290.asp
SW Radio Africa Switches Frequency
Media Institute of Southern Africa (Windhoek)
PRESS RELEASE June 2, 2005
Posted to the web June 2, 2005
On May 31 2005, SW Radio Africa which broadcasts from London, beamed itslast shortwave evening broadcast saying this was due to repeated jamming ofits transmission signal by the Zimbabwean government."The jamming of our transmission signal by the Zimbabwe government hasrequired that we broadcast on multiple frequencies," SW Radio Africa said ina statement."This has been very successful and our listeners have been able to clearlyreceive us. But it is financially unsustainable, adding a huge amount to ournormal running costs."The station which is manned by Zimbabweans exiled in the UK, is nowbroadcasting on medium wave for two hours in the morning (05h00 - 07h00local time) and 24 hours a day on its website, www.swradioafrica.com.The medium wave signal does not, however, cover the whole of Zimbabwe andmany of its listeners will not be able to tune into their broadcasts.SW Radio Africa, however, said it was doing everything possible to maintainits financial viability."Our medium wave signal is clearly received throughout the whole of SouthAfrica so we do know that the two to three million Zimbabwean exiles therewill be able to clearly receive our programming."A free media is the cornerstone of any democracy and we will do our verybest to ensure that we continue to provide a voice for Zimbabweans, as westruggle along this difficult road to freedom together," said the statement. http://allafrica.com/stories/200506020056.html
PRESS RELEASE June 2, 2005
Posted to the web June 2, 2005
On May 31 2005, SW Radio Africa which broadcasts from London, beamed itslast shortwave evening broadcast saying this was due to repeated jamming ofits transmission signal by the Zimbabwean government."The jamming of our transmission signal by the Zimbabwe government hasrequired that we broadcast on multiple frequencies," SW Radio Africa said ina statement."This has been very successful and our listeners have been able to clearlyreceive us. But it is financially unsustainable, adding a huge amount to ournormal running costs."The station which is manned by Zimbabweans exiled in the UK, is nowbroadcasting on medium wave for two hours in the morning (05h00 - 07h00local time) and 24 hours a day on its website, www.swradioafrica.com.The medium wave signal does not, however, cover the whole of Zimbabwe andmany of its listeners will not be able to tune into their broadcasts.SW Radio Africa, however, said it was doing everything possible to maintainits financial viability."Our medium wave signal is clearly received throughout the whole of SouthAfrica so we do know that the two to three million Zimbabwean exiles therewill be able to clearly receive our programming."A free media is the cornerstone of any democracy and we will do our verybest to ensure that we continue to provide a voice for Zimbabweans, as westruggle along this difficult road to freedom together," said the statement. http://allafrica.com/stories/200506020056.html
Thursday, June 02, 2005
Radaio Japan 70th anni special programs
Radio Japan has lined up some special programs on the ocassionof 70th anni of first international broadcast from Japan.First part of the series of programs were broadcasted today.
((((( Japan & the World 44 Minutes )))))
Mon.- Fri. 14:15 - 15:00(JST)(repeat) 19:15, 23:15, 2:15, 9:15, 10:15(JST)
Jun.1,Wed. - Jun.3,Fri.
* NHK WORLD 70th Special: Introducing Japan for 70 Years
The three-part series goes behind the scenes of NHK's internationalbroadcasting services, discovering the history and the thoughts of theprogram makers.
Jun.1,Wed. -
The Start of International Broadcasting -
Jun.2,Thu. -
Post-war International Broadcasting in the Age of Radio -Guest:Setsuro Kitayama (former NHK employee)
Jun.3,Fri. - The Advance into TV and Internet Broadcasting -Guest:Toshiyuki Sato,
(Director-General, International Planning& Broadcasting Department of NHK)
----------------
((((( Radio Japan Focus )))))
Jun.1,Wed. - Jun.3,Fri.* NHK WORLD 70th Special:Frontline of the Grobal Broadcasting (1)-(3)This 3-part special series commemorates the 70th anniversary of NHK'sinternational broadcasting on June 1st. Satellite broadcasts fromthe Middle East are in the spotlight; Western nations are employing newinformation strategies; an NGO has started international broadcasts inAfrica. What do international broadcasts tell us today? We present thefrontline.
((((( Japan & the World 44 Minutes )))))
Mon.- Fri. 14:15 - 15:00(JST)(repeat) 19:15, 23:15, 2:15, 9:15, 10:15(JST)
Jun.1,Wed. - Jun.3,Fri.
* NHK WORLD 70th Special: Introducing Japan for 70 Years
The three-part series goes behind the scenes of NHK's internationalbroadcasting services, discovering the history and the thoughts of theprogram makers.
Jun.1,Wed. -
The Start of International Broadcasting -
Jun.2,Thu. -
Post-war International Broadcasting in the Age of Radio -Guest:Setsuro Kitayama (former NHK employee)
Jun.3,Fri. - The Advance into TV and Internet Broadcasting -Guest:Toshiyuki Sato,
(Director-General, International Planning& Broadcasting Department of NHK)
----------------
((((( Radio Japan Focus )))))
Jun.1,Wed. - Jun.3,Fri.* NHK WORLD 70th Special:Frontline of the Grobal Broadcasting (1)-(3)This 3-part special series commemorates the 70th anniversary of NHK'sinternational broadcasting on June 1st. Satellite broadcasts fromthe Middle East are in the spotlight; Western nations are employing newinformation strategies; an NGO has started international broadcasts inAfrica. What do international broadcasts tell us today? We present thefrontline.
Monday, May 30, 2005
Eritrean dissident programme observed on Ethiopian state radio
Sunday May 29th, 2005 00:16.
ADDIS ABABA, May 28, 2005 -- BBC Monitoring observed a programme produced byan Eritrean opposition movement on two shortwave frequencies used by theexternal service of Radio Ethiopia, at 1501-1600 gmt on 25 May 2005.At 1501 gmt on 7165.1 and 9560.3 kHz, following on immediately from a RadioEthiopia external service broadcast in Arabic, there was an identificationannouncement in Arabic as "Voice of the Democratic Alliance" (Sawtal-Tahalufa al-Dimuqrati), followed at 1530 gmt by a programme in the Kunamalanguage. Radio Ethiopia's external service resumed at 1600 gmt with abroadcast in English.The Voice of the Democratic Alliance programme is believed to have been onthe air since 21 April 2005, in accordance with the following schedule:Sunday 1500-1530 gmt in Arabic, 1530-1600 gmt in TigrinyaMonday 1500-1530 gmt in Arabic, 1530-1600 gmt in KunamaTuesday 1500-1530 gmt in Tigrinya, 1530-1600 gmt in AfarWednesday 1500-1530 gmt in Arabic, 1530-1600 gmt in KunamaThursday 1500-1530 gmt in Tigrinya, 1530-1600 gmt in AfarFriday 1500-1530 gmt in Arabic, 1530-1600 gmt in KunamaSaturday 1500-1530 gmt in Tigrinya, 1530-1600 gmt in AfarVoice of the Democratic Alliance is produced by the Eritrean DemocraticAlliance coalition, an umbrella grouping of 16 opposition parties.Radio Ethiopia is that country's state broadcaster, and has a website at http://www.angelfire.com/biz/radioethiopia
http://www.sudantribune.com/article.php3?id_article=9831
ADDIS ABABA, May 28, 2005 -- BBC Monitoring observed a programme produced byan Eritrean opposition movement on two shortwave frequencies used by theexternal service of Radio Ethiopia, at 1501-1600 gmt on 25 May 2005.At 1501 gmt on 7165.1 and 9560.3 kHz, following on immediately from a RadioEthiopia external service broadcast in Arabic, there was an identificationannouncement in Arabic as "Voice of the Democratic Alliance" (Sawtal-Tahalufa al-Dimuqrati), followed at 1530 gmt by a programme in the Kunamalanguage. Radio Ethiopia's external service resumed at 1600 gmt with abroadcast in English.The Voice of the Democratic Alliance programme is believed to have been onthe air since 21 April 2005, in accordance with the following schedule:Sunday 1500-1530 gmt in Arabic, 1530-1600 gmt in TigrinyaMonday 1500-1530 gmt in Arabic, 1530-1600 gmt in KunamaTuesday 1500-1530 gmt in Tigrinya, 1530-1600 gmt in AfarWednesday 1500-1530 gmt in Arabic, 1530-1600 gmt in KunamaThursday 1500-1530 gmt in Tigrinya, 1530-1600 gmt in AfarFriday 1500-1530 gmt in Arabic, 1530-1600 gmt in KunamaSaturday 1500-1530 gmt in Tigrinya, 1530-1600 gmt in AfarVoice of the Democratic Alliance is produced by the Eritrean DemocraticAlliance coalition, an umbrella grouping of 16 opposition parties.Radio Ethiopia is that country's state broadcaster, and has a website at http://www.angelfire.com/biz/radioethiopia
http://www.sudantribune.com/article.php3?id_article=9831
Gyanvani FM radio channel for Northeast
Press Trust of India
Shillong, May 29, 2005
Stating that technology has been harnessed to overcome nature's challengesin the North-East, Human Resource Development Minister Arjun Singh on Sundayinaugurated Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)'s 'Gyanvani' FMradio stations for Guwahati and Shillong."In the North-East, apart from many other things, nature has givenchallenges in communication and access. But modern technology has been ableto overcome this," he said inaugurating the FM radio stations - the first ofits kind by IGNOU in the North-East.All the state capitals would soon be connected by 'Gyanvani' FM radiostations in the near future where young people of the region could expressthemselves, the minister said.Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said the students of North-East, althoughvery talented, did not get 'ample opportunities because of inaccessibility.'The FM radio station would provide them the opportunity, he said.Pointing out that highly-educated youth of the region were 'misguided' asinsurgency did not help them to grow, Meghalaya Chief Minister D D Lapangsaid the FM radio would 'divert' them back to the 'right channel.'Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga said his government was committed to takehis second highest literate state to the first place beating Kerala in thenext one year. He also urged the Centre to go for a funding pattern in theratio of 90:10 in implementing the Sarva Siksha Abhiyan (SSA) schemes fromthe present 75:25 ratio.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/7454_1380726,00080005.htm
Shillong, May 29, 2005
Stating that technology has been harnessed to overcome nature's challengesin the North-East, Human Resource Development Minister Arjun Singh on Sundayinaugurated Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)'s 'Gyanvani' FMradio stations for Guwahati and Shillong."In the North-East, apart from many other things, nature has givenchallenges in communication and access. But modern technology has been ableto overcome this," he said inaugurating the FM radio stations - the first ofits kind by IGNOU in the North-East.All the state capitals would soon be connected by 'Gyanvani' FM radiostations in the near future where young people of the region could expressthemselves, the minister said.Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said the students of North-East, althoughvery talented, did not get 'ample opportunities because of inaccessibility.'The FM radio station would provide them the opportunity, he said.Pointing out that highly-educated youth of the region were 'misguided' asinsurgency did not help them to grow, Meghalaya Chief Minister D D Lapangsaid the FM radio would 'divert' them back to the 'right channel.'Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga said his government was committed to takehis second highest literate state to the first place beating Kerala in thenext one year. He also urged the Centre to go for a funding pattern in theratio of 90:10 in implementing the Sarva Siksha Abhiyan (SSA) schemes fromthe present 75:25 ratio.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/news/7454_1380726,00080005.htm
Sunday, May 29, 2005
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