MxMIndia

Category: SHORT TAKES

  • The objective of starting Radiowalla was to serve the special interest groups and communities with the content they would like to listen to and willing to pay, says Anil Srivatsa.

    Venturenet Partners to launch Radiowalla in April

    By A Correspondent

     

    Venturenet Partners Private Ltd, a Bengaluru-based internet radio company plans to launch a premium model internet audio service, Radiowalla by April 2012.

     

    Venturenet has already launched Spot Radio, a b2b digital in-store radio entertainment network in August 2011. The internet radio company has already announced that it has raised series A funding from Ojas Ventures Partners (OJAS) which will enable it to further expand the services and features of its retail audio solution – Spot Radio and it’s b2c radio service – Radiowalla.

     

    In addition to this, it is also learnt that after having out-performed its business goals, Venturenet will scout new investors for the next round of funding.

     

    In conversation with MxMIndia, Mr Anil Srivatsa, Co-Founder and CEO, Radiowalla explained that the objective of starting Radiowalla was to provide radio with its due of choices and to serve the special interest groups and communities with the content they would like to listen to and willing to pay. “We are trying to be in all languages and genres, including motivations, philosophy and other non music content… It is like an audio mall – one place for everything,” he added.

     

    Launched in August 2011, Spot Radio is said to have already partnered with 20 national retail chains, with over 2000 sites nationwide and is targeted to grow to a record 10,000 sites by the end of the year.

     

    Currently, Venturenet has around twenty brands in its client list ranging from lifestyle brands to hypermarket brands to food and beverage brands to name a few. According to Mr Srivatsa, Venturenet Partners is currently in an investment mode and hence he is not thinking about break-even plans.

     

    However he believes the sites – Spot Radio and Radiowalla – will sustain break-even very soon, though not for the next 18 to 20 months.

     

    On his vision for the year 2012, Mr Srivatsa said: “My vision for the coming year is to launch a life changing audio platform that will change the way people will consume audio content. Therefore we are trying to leap frog into raising and meeting the expectations of our consumer base.”

     

    The team size of theBangalorebased Venturenet Partners is currently around 12 – 13 and growing. The marketing plans, for now, are limited to viral but will later spread to the traditional and digital media.

     

    Mr Anil Srivatsa has been a veteran of the media field since the past 20 years. He had launched a radio show called ‘Anil Ki Awaaz’, inNew Jersey,USAand ‘between the sheets’ inIndia. He also launched an internet radio channel for Asian Americans. Prior to launching Venturenet Partners, Mr Srivatsa was the CEO of Kings XI Punjab and before that he was the COO Radio Today Broadcasting (Meow 104.8 FM).

     

  • Nisha Narayanan holds fort at Red FM as Rana Barua quits as COO, mulling entrepreneurship

    Nisha Narayanan holds fort @ Red FM as Rana Barua quits

    By A Correspondent

    Senior vice-president projects and programming Nisha Narayanan is learnt to have assumed charge at Red FM as COO Rana Barua is moving on (as reported by MxMIndia yesterday). Though both Mr Barua and the company spokesperson were unavailable for comment, MxMIndia learns that he has put in his papers and amongst other things is mulling turning an entrepreneur.

     

    According to sources, it’s business as usual at the leading FM station with Ms Narayanan, an old Red FM (and Sun FM) hand, managing affairs of the company at least temporarily. Mr Barua is reported to be on leave and serving notice.

     

    Prior to joining Red FM, Mr Barua was EVP – Programming & Marketing at Radio City. Before he moved over to radio, he was VP and Head – Mumbai at Bates. And earlier: Client Services Director at Rediffusion DY&R, Account Director at McCann, Senior Account Exec at Ogilvy & Mather and an Account Exec at JWT.

     

    with Robin Thomas

  • Mr Malhotra will be responsible for developing the overall brand and communication strategy for the business and implementation rollout across the stations

    Big FM appoints Vivek Malhotra as head of marketing

    By A Correspondent

     

    Reliance Broadcast Network Limited (RBNL), on Tuesday, announced the appointment of Mr Vivek Malhotra as Head, Marketing for its radio brand, BIG FM. Mr Malhotra will be responsible for developing the overall brand and communication strategy for the business and implementation rollout across the stations. He will be closely associated with the product, operations and revenue teams.

     

    Speaking about his new role, the immediate challenges and the shift to a new medium altogether in an email interaction with MxMIndia, Mr Vivek Malhotra stated: “Radio, as a medium, appeals very differently and does indeed have a connect with the audience at a very personal and emotional level and it is amongst the most inclusive media formats in the country.”

     

    “Accordingly, the challenge to truly differentiate and connect more closely with the audience is distinctly different. The leadership position enjoyed by the network added to the fact that radio is welcoming the most interesting times ahead, made this an opportunity very few would miss” he added.

     

    In a prepared statement, Reliance Broadcast Network stated: “We are delighted to have Mr Vivek Malhotra on board. He brings with him vast experience across marketing, media research, trade management, sales support, AFP solutions, distribution and corporate strategy. With a strong understanding of business and tremendous creativity, we are confident Vivek Malhotra will play a key role in leading the team to continue the development and growth of the radio business.”

     

    Prior to joining Reliance Broadcast Network, Mr Malhotra was the senior Vice President – Marketing, PR and Research at Bloomberg UTV. He played an integral role in setting up the entire marketing system and repositioning the product to new brand values, along with the additional responsibilities of distribution planning and coordination. Vivek Malhotra also worked with STAR News Network, wherein he is said to have not only led their trade engagement and research unit but also acquired valuable experience around regional products like STAR Majha.

  • FM radio network Radio One is likely to go 24×7 English for in Mumbai and Delhi stations

    Radio One likely to turn English in Mumbai & Delhi

    By Robin Thomas

     

    FM radio network Radio One is likely to go English for its Mumbai and Delhi stations, MxMIndia has learnt from industry sources. This shift is likely to take place next month or early February 2012. MxMIndia did not receive any official confirmation from Radio One at the time of writing this, though industry sources have confirmed the development. Radio One, a joint venture between Next Mediaworks Ltd and BBC worldwide, operates in seven cities – Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Pune and Ahmedabad.

     

    An English FM radio station in Mumbai and Delhi may add a fair deal of differentiation in music, but what remains to be seen is how advertiser-friendly it will be, given that listenership levels are lower than those playing just Hindi music.

     

    MxMIndia spoke to few industry players on whether Mumbai and Delhi markets will open up to an English FM station. One of them was of the view that an English FM station in Mumbai in particular will create a much needed differentiation in terms of music. There is a market for English audience, but it may take some time to get established, what remains to be seen is how the advertisers will react to this change. Another industry observer was of the view that while there is a market for English music listenership in both Mumbai and Delhi, it could still be challenging for the FM station in terms of revenue generation, as the audience size is small.

     

    On the other hand, Sunil Kumar, MD, Big River Radio feels the fact that there are audiences willing to pay a huge sum for rock concerts, the number of English newspapers, the popularity of serials such as Friends, are sure indications that there is a market for an English FM station. “There is a market for English music listeners, these are the people who have an international or global outlook, they travel abroad and are well attuned to English music. An English FM radio station will bring an additional audience to radio – that is, those who do not listen to radio. Just look at the number of English movie channels, English GECs, news channels, they are doing extremely well. Therefore, for a premium channel you don’t need a large audience but, you can charge huge premium for the audience they deliver to, which is often people in the higher socio-economic group,” he said.

     

    It may be recalled that when Fever FM was launched in Mumbai, it initially aired both Hindi and English songs after which they had to completely switch to Hindi. Radio One too has experimented for long with its English format in its earlier avatar of Go92.5 and Radio Mid-day. Market pressures and the desire to catch up with the more mass Bollywood hit music format got it to go completely in Hindi. Hit FM is the only 24×7 English FM station in Delhi, while Mumbai currently has no fulltime English FM station. The other 24×7 English FM stations in the country are Radio Indigo in Bangalore and Chennai Live in Chennai. All India Radio’s FM Rainbow station also plays English music.

     

  • Rana Barua quits Red FM, may start own venture

    By Robin Thomas

    Red FM COO Rana Barua is moving on. MxMIndia learns that he has put in his papers and amongst other things is mulling starting out on his own. Mr Barua and the Red FM spokesperson were not available for comment.

    Prior to joining Red FM, he was EVP – Programming & Marketing at Radio City. Before he moved over to radio, he was VP and Head – Mumbai at Bates. And earlier: Client Services Director at Rediffusion DY&R, Account Director at McCann, Senior Account Exec at Ogilvy & Mather and Account Exec at JWT.

  • Radio Mango, an FM radio venture by Malayala Manorama, aims to consolidate its position in Kerala once FM Phase III is officially rolled out.

    Radio Mango in 4th anniv mode, to consolidate in Kerala for Phase III

    By A Correspondent

     

    Radio Mango, an FM radio venture by Malayala Manorama, a Malayalam daily, aims to consolidate its position in Kerala once FM Phase III is officially rolled out. It is however not known which cities the FM station would bid for as they are currently awaiting clarity on the phase III. “We would definitely look to consolidate our position in Kerala. We are still unclear about the reserve price calculations and await clarity before finalising our phase III plans,” said Ravindran Nair, Director Programmes, Radio Mango.

     

    He further said, “We are confident of growth in 2012 since we have been steady since the last 4 years. The key factor in the quantum of growth, of course, would be phase III.”

    In Kerala Radio Mango is aired in Kochi, Trissur, Kozhikode and Kannur. Red FM and Club FM are its main competitors in these cities besides the All India Radio (AIR) FM stations. On November 29, 2011 Radio Mango will celebrate its fourth anniversary however the FM station seems to be in no mood for big celebrations.

    Radio Mango claims that its national and local advertising ratio is almost 50:50. Some of its national advertisers are Maruti, Hero Motors, Nokia, Blackberry, Max Bupa, Kenwood, Airtel, Docomo, Belkin, Ford, Hyundai, Sharp, and Philips etc. Nearly 80 per cent of songs aired on Radio Mango is Malayalam film songs and the rest 20 per cent from non-Malayalam music ie Hindi and Tamil songs. Besides its on-air activities, Radio Mango is quite active online too. It has over 5,700 likes on its Facebook page and nearly 300 followers on Twitter.

     

    In conversation with Ravindran Nair, Director Programmes, Radio Mango.

     

    Q: Since November 29, 2007 when Radio Mango first went on air, until the year 2011 how has the journey been for Radio Mango? 
    Radio Mango has had a great period of sustained growth since launch. We have been consistently No.1 in the state and have been figuring in the top 20 nationally in terms of reach. In IRS Q2, Radio Mango is 16th nationally, in terms of reach (11th if AIR stations are excluded). In terms of reach within a state, Radio Mango ranks 5th nationally! Radio Mango has grown by 45 percent in Yesterday’s listenership over the last one year. Within Kerala, Radio Mango leads the no 2 station by 81 percent in terms of reach. (All figures are from IRS Q2 2011).

     

    We have won several national and international awards including New York Festival silver and bronzes, Wow Experiential Marketing Award golds, ERA golds etc. In fact, we are the only radio station in India to have won Mirchi Kaan Award golds for two years running.  We also figure in the Limca Book of Records for our musical reality show ground event.
    Q: How do you plan to celebrate Radio Mango’s fourth anniversary?
    We don’t look at months and years as landmarks. We would rather have our achievements be the milestones. Hence, all our anniversaries are private internal affairs and we don’t tom-tom in public.
    Q: Can you throw some light on your phase III plans? Will the FM station expand in cities/ towns of Kerala or will the expansion be beyond Kerala i.e. other parts of India?
    We would definitely look to consolidate our position in Kerala. We are still unclear about the reserve price calculations and await clarity before finalizing our phase III plans.

     

    Q: How has the response from advertisers been? What is the national-local advertising ratio?

    The response from the advertisers has been good so far. The national and local advertising ratio is almost 50:50. Some of the national advertisers are Maruti, Hero Motors, Nokia, Blackberry, Max Bupa, Kenwood, telecom majors like Airtel, Docomo, Belkin, Ford, Hyundai, Sharp, and Philips etc.

     

    Q: For 2012 what are your growth targets? How will you sum up 2011 for Radio Mango? 
    We are confident of growth in 2012 since we have been steady since the last four years. The key factor in the quantum of growth, of course, would be phase III. 2011 has been a great year and we are very pleased with our overall performance. The Radio Mango brand has never been more robust and recognised.

     

    Q: Who is your creative and media agency?
    Our creative and media agency is Stark Communications.

  • Amritendu Roy is now Regional Head – East, Fever FM. Prior to Fever FM, he was Head, Radio Business, Friends FM.

    Amritendu Roy catches Fever

    By Robin Thomas

     

    Amritendu Roy is now Regional Head – East, Fever FM. Prior to Fever FM, he was Head, Radio Business, Friends FM. Mr Roy who joined Fever FM in August 2011, is based out of Kolkata and will be reporting to Mr Harshad Jain, Business Head, Fever FM.

    One of his main responsibilities as Regional Head- East will be to drive the sales for the region.

    Confirming the news to MxMIndia, Mr Jain stated, “With substantial industry experience, he will be able to add a lot of value into the existing system and will prove to be an asset for Fever FM.”

    Mr Roy was instrumental in setting up Friends FM from scratch. Mr Roy started his career in advertising with Mudra Communication in 1990 and went on to become the Group Business Director at the time he left in 2004. In the 14 years with Mudra he worked in various cities like Kolkata, Delhi and Mumbai. He handled various clients with Mudra, the prominent ones being McDonalds, Indian Oil, Orient Fans, National Insurance, Reliance Telecom and Kitply. Mr Roy then moved to the FM radio industry in 2004 when he took over as Vice President and Station Head of Radio City in Delhi.

  • Recognizing that there is definitely a slowdown, it’s no time to take things for granted, says the Red FM COO.

    Be cautious in slow market: Rana Barua

    By Robin Thomas

     

    The government has enhanced the foreign investment limit in FM radio to 26 percent from the earlier 20 percent. E-auction for FM phase III is reported to have received a nod from the Union Cabinet. Multiple frequencies if allowed will bring different genres of FM station in the same city, the overall media spends and advertising revenue in radio will see humongous growth. FM stations will soon be allowed to air news although not independent of the government owned AIR (All India Radio), nonetheless it seems good times are ahead for the Indian radio industry.

     

    While the FM phase III rollout has moved a little closer to reality, there is always something to learn from past experiences, even for the Indian radio industry. MxMIndia tries to find out one of the critical learning for the radio industry in FM phase III from the earlier phase I and II. In conversation with MxMIndia, Mr Rana Barua, COO Red FM observed, “One of the critical learning that a lot of us had in phase I and II is not to overestimate the potential of the market. The biggest challenge that lies for all of us is knowing that uncertainty has become such a huge thing today, therefore I think a cautious approach is going to be extremely critical.”

     

    “We should be completely taking cognizance of the fact that there is definitely a slowdown, the clients, advertisers and everybody else is extremely careful about the money they are investing in any form of medium. Taking things for granted and creating business plans for the next two three years seems like a passé now. It is more like making a business model and reviewing it every month” he added.

     

    Mr Barua also shed some light on how Red FM is gearing up for FM phase III. He spoke about Red FMs cautious approach and its keen interest in participating in FM phase III. “We are still weighing the pros and cons but, yes we will be seriously involved in phase III. We are very clear that we would like to be in most of the markets which will have some kind of ROI but, we will weigh the pros and cons, we will see the costs and we will be extremely cautious about the approach. We are looking at towns where we are not available and which are important for the advertiser. So we are definitely looking at this as one of our strategies” explained Mr Barua.

  • RAM has released its first set of findings basis sweeps in nine cities. The findings have been arrived at, based on Universe Establishment Study and Panel based Respondent data collected during May-August 2011.

    RAM releases the first 9 cities sweeps

    RAM has released its first set of findings basis sweeps in nine cities. The findings have been arrived at, based on Universe Establishment Study and Panel based Respondent data collected during May-August 2011. These nine additional cities are Ahmedabad, Chennai, Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur, Kanpur, Lucknow, Nagpur and Pune.

     

    For the last 4 years, RAM operated out of the four Indian metros – Bangalore, Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai.

     

    As per RAM, This initiative will help the Radio industry – Broadcasters & Media Planning Agencies, to assess the impact that Radio medium is having on Audiences in towns other than the major Metros.

     

    RAM communiqué states that given the favorable response from across the industry, RAM will continue to undertake the next sweeps during February-March 2012.

     

    To quote LV Krishnan, CEO, TAM Media Research, “Our commitment to take RAM beyond the  four metros has fructified. This time, the RAM roll out is much wider and deeper. These 9 cities will throw light to Advertisers the interaction Radio is bringing to their Consumers and also help Broadcasters fine tune their basket of programming to these Audiences. This will help propel higher commercial viability for the Industry at large. As always, we will work very closely with the Industry to help them understand the dynamics of this very high potential communication and brand building medium from these markets as well. Like in 4 RAM metros earlier, we believe that in these 9 metros too, RAM’s entry will boost the Radio advertising investments.”

     

    The study offers trends about Radio listenership or consumption behaviour between the different cities. Some highlights are:

     

    • The universe size of the newly added 9 markets is an impressive 50% of the existing 4 RAM markets (Bangalore, Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai).
    • Southern markets observe higher FM penetration as compared to northern markets.
    • On an average, there is 95% FM universe has been reached in a week across all the markets.
      • Chennai and Jaipur observe 100% weekly reach.
    • Time spent listening among the 9 new markets is comparatively more than the existing 4 metro markets. Markets like Nagpur and Jaipur observe 28.29 (hh:mm) and 24.05 (hh:mm) time spent on a weekly basis.
    • Indore and Lucknow observe least OOH listening among the new RAM markets.
    • Majority of the new markets have heavy composition from male audiences whereas existing Mumbai and Kolkata market witness substantial composition from female audiences.
    • Listenership in Northern cities like Delhi and Jaipur are skewed towards higher SECs. Market like Nagpur and Kanpur are skewed towards lower SECs.
    • Morning time band observes highest listenership contribution across the day. Indore market observes highest listenership contribution from Mid Morning time band

    Listenership contribution on Saturday and Sunday are higher for the new markets whereas in the existing markets Saturday observes least contribution

  • Popular radio jockey is rated as the most popular by an Ormax study

    Red FM’s Malishka is RJ No 1 in in Mumbai!

    By A Correspondent

     

    Radio Jockey Malishka is found to be Mumbai’s most popular RJ for the second year in a row, according to an Ormax Media study. The Red FM 93.5 RJ Network the most preferred radio station in India has an immense listener base in Mumbai. This is evident by a recent study conducted by media research firm Ormax Media that pronounced RJ Malishka as the most popular Radio Jockey in Mumbai for the second time in a row. Undoubtedly RED FM’s RJ Malishka is an unmatched talent in the radio industry!

    The study by Ormax Media was conducted in the month of September amongst 600 radio listeners in Mumbai and Delhi in the age group of 15-44 yrs, SEC ABC. From across the radio stations in Mumbai, Red FM RJs Malishka, Mantra and Rishi Kapoor emerged as instant favorites amongst listeners!

    Commenting on this much celebrated achievement, Nisha Narayanan, Senior VP Projects & Programming, RED FM 93.5 Network said, “Red FM’s leading Morning Show RJ – Malishka has been rated number one in Mumbai by Ormax Media for the second year in a row. This just proves that despite various researches that happen across mediums and the claims by respective radio stations of being number one, we still continue to win the best recognition and awards across categories and hence undoubtedly make us the most awarded radio station in the country.”

    ‘Morning No1’ with Malishka is designed to be exciting, energizing, stimulating, light-hearted and at the same time thought provoking, notes a Red FM communiqué.

     

  • As we completed five months of existence yesterday, we stepped back to our commitment of Day 1: cover media like no one else in the business. At MxMIndia, we are committed to support the 'underdogs' amongst the various media segments. So: journalism came first. Then PR and now Radio.

    Hello and Welcome to MxM Radio!

    Hello and Welcome to MxMIndia’s exclusive ‘channel’ for Radio… FM, All India Radio, Community Radio, Internet Radio and whatever else is happening in the world of radio in India.

     

    There have been various attempts to cover radio, but not being the most fashionable of media segments, it’s largely neglected. The reason is perhaps that there isn’t enough money backing the business.

     

    As we completed five months of existence yesterday, we stepped back to our commitment of Day 1: cover media like no one else in the business. At MxMIndia, we are committed to support the ‘underdogs’ amongst the various media segments. So: journalism came first. Then PR and now Radio.

     

    With Phase 3 set to take off soon and a maturing of minds – from amongst listeners and the players, we expect a lot of activity in radioland. MxMIndia has a dedicate resource to bring you a ringside view. Senior Correspondent Robin Thomas painstakingly covers radio like few others in the trade.

     

    We do not hesitate to ask the tough questions and cover issues that some may find uncomfortable. For instance, should RJ mentions be considered as paid content.

     

    So, behenon aur bhaioan, stay tuned in to MxM Radio. And do let us have your feedback.

     

    Email Robin who is coordinating the channel. He can be reached at robint [at]mxmindia.com. And feel free to call any of us in the MxM team.

     

    Cheers!

     

    Pradyuman Maheshwari

    Email: pradyumanm[at]mxmindia.com,

    BBM: 23050B5D

    Gtalk: pradyumanm[at]gmail.com,

    Twitter: @pmahesh

    Telephone: 98338 76278.

     

  • Surender Sharma's show on 92.7 BIG FM & BIG Magic, the first time inIndiathat a daily show features simultaneously on two media platforms

    Reliance Broadcast launches ‘Kings Of Kavis’

    Reliance Broadcast Network Limited (RBNL) on Thursday announced the launch of their show with Surender Sharma – one of India’s most famous Hindi poets and humorists on 92.7 BIG FM and BIG MAGIC.

     

    For the very first time a top humorist will feature simultaneously on two media platforms through a single show titled ‘Hasya Panchayat’. The famous hasyakavi, popularly known as Sharmaji, will feature daily across 92.7 BIG FM stations in Hindi speaking regions as well as on BIG MAGIC, with his hilarious trademark one-liners to people’s queries on different subjects related to everyday life.

     

    Sharmaji, known for his straight faced, glum expression, offered fans a brilliant glimpse of his show at Shivaji Stadium Airport Metro where he, along with other eminent hasyakavis, participated in the ‘Hasya Panchayat’, and made the crowd burst into uncontrollable fits of laughter.

     

    Together with his fellow kavis, he presented a range of enjoyable poems and on a serious note urged listeners to reflect on modern-day issues such as inflation, corruption and unemployment. From the election fever in Uttar Pradesh and Punjab to popular Bollywood flicks such as Dirty Picture, the humorist took on some very hot topics and added his distinctive touch of humour and sarcasm to them.

     

    The 92.7 BIG FM show will entertain listeners for one hour every evening and will feature the best of Sharmaji’s performances on a special weekend show.

     

    The artist will simultaneously feature on BIG Magic’s daily show titled ‘Hasya Panchayat’ in a special segment, where he will present his hilarious take on different topics. People from the Hindi heartland of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Biharand Jharkhand will also get to watch shorter capsules featuring Sharmaji’s celebrated one­-liners.

     

    Speaking at the event, company spokesperson said: “Few things in life can compare to the joy one gets in making someone laugh. We’re proud to bring a much-loved persona like Surender Sharma into the lives of our consumers and trust his wittiness will give us many reasons to laugh. This double treat on 92.7 BIG FM and BIG Magic will ensure people never miss out on the King of Kavi’s rib-tickling humour.”

     

    Reliance Broadcast Network Limited is a multi-media entertainment conglomerate with play across radio, television, intellectual properties and out of home. It is part of the Reliance Group and specializes in creating and executing integrated media solutions for brands.