92.7 BIG FM has launched a new logo which is contemporary, young, optimistic and fun, both in content and design.
Tarun Katial
Speaking about the new logo, Tarun Katial, Chief Executive Officer, Reliance Broadcast Network Limited said, “At 92.7 BIG FM, our mission is to reach, engage and enrich the lives of India’s vast populace and we stand today as the largest and leading private FM Radio network with 45 stations. This logo is a step forward into a new world of excitement. We are very happy to enter this chapter and I am sure, we will set a new yardstick for success.â€
Ashwin Padmanabhan
Ashwin Padmanabhan, Chief Operating Officer, Reliance Broadcast Network Limited said, “It has been an incredible journey for all of us at 92.7 BIG FM. We have consistently offered the best content to our listeners, associated with brands to create ongoing, far-reaching, cross-platform content driven by great entertainment and received recognition by the industry for our efforts. We continuously challenge our prowess with campaigns that are thought-provoking, entertaining and creating an impact socially. The new logo is a positive change and we are looking forward to creating yet another benchmarkâ€.
With its ground-breaking content and brand activations, 92.7 BIG FM, today, ranks second at an all-India level while reaching out to an astounding 43.2 million listeners per week. As the No. 1 radio station in 18 cities and at the No. 2 position in 8 cities, 92.7 BIG FM has successfully established leadership in key metros across the country.
Kuch Keemat Bhi, Kuch Keemti Bhi, the unique marketing campaign that provided OLX, India’s largest marketplace for used goods, with a significant brand recall; is now on air in its second leg after the resounding success of the first leg earlier this year. This time, 92.7 BIG FM and OLX have conceptualised something new for listeners – a segment on-air narrated exclusively by Bollywood actor Ayushmann Khurrana.
Through Keemti Stories, the talented actor-singer and former RJ-VJ narrates stories reiterating the meaning of Kuch Keemat Bhi, Kuch Keemti Bhi. The stories focus on human relationships which bring out the messaging that – the gestures and the thought behind gifting your loved ones are more precious than the gifts themselves. Another distinctive aspect of the campaign is that, with the start of the festive season, each story will showcase stories that have an occasion-based theme.
The segment was created in a bid to showcase how OLX is not just about buying and selling for money, instead, the brand itself is a tool that can be used to bring happiness in the lives of one’s loved ones. OLX, more than an online medium to buy and sell goods, is an enabler in shaping beautiful relations.
Ashwin Padmanabhan
Speaking on the association, Ashwin Padmanabhan, Chief Operating Officer, Reliance Broadcast Network Limited, stated, “It is a delight to work with OLX again. We had initially conceptualised a few radio marketing strategies for OLX and our association proved extremely fruitful for both parties. This time, we are creating a unique five week brand campaign on our FM network for which we have roped in Ayushmann Khurrana, a talent house himself. He will be narrating stories that describe the underlying meaning of OLX’s latest marketing campaign – Kuch Keemat Bhi, Kuch Keemti Bhi through story-telling. We have received a wonderful response for the first story that went on-air on August 8th and are looking forward to the overall listener response. We intend to create an emotional connect among people for OLX.â€
Speaking on roping in Ayushmann Khurrana for the brand campaign, Padmanabhan added, “Ayushmann is extremely versatile. He is a brilliant actor and a singer but not many know that he has also been an RJ in the past with 92.7 BIG FM. His voice modulation techniques are wonderful and he can tell great stories. Moreover, our target audience for the campaign falls between the age group of 15 – 34 and Ayushmann is the ideal youth icon. Therefore, there could not have been a better brand fit for this campaign than him.â€
The one hour segment goes on-air across six cities that include Delhi, Mumbai, Chandigarh, Kanpur, Bhopal and Allahabad. Ayushmann comes on-air during the segment to narrate stories that are intended to strike a chord with listeners.
The on-air time for each city is as follows:
CITY
TIME
Delhi
7 PM – 8PM
Mumbai
7 PM – 8PM
Chandigarh
7 PM – 8PM
Kanpur
6 PM – 7 PM
Bhopal
7 PM – 8PM
Allahabad
7 PM – 8PM
About Reliance Broadcast Network Limited
Reliance Broadcast Network Limited is a media and entertainment company with interests in radio, television and television production. The Company houses: 92.7 BIG FM – India’s No.1 FM Network with 45 stations, reaching over 4 crore Indians each week; BIG MAGIC – which has built strong brand equity as a Comedy Channel and is positioned as the one stop destination for humor, BIG MAGIC Ganga – the No. 1 regional Channel of Bihar and Jharkhand; BIG MAGIC International – a channel targeted at the Indian Diaspora in North America; BIG Thrill – the destination for action entertainment; and BIG Productions – its television content production division. For more information log on to www.reliancebroadcast.com
There are heroes and heroic tales of battles won; then there are sacrifices and tragic stories; all for the sake of India’s Independence. To celebrate the glorious 69th year of our freedom and the privilege that our armies and freedom fighters have left us behind with, 92.7 BIG FM gives soldiers the BIG Salute at Siachen, the highest battlefield in the world with ‘BIG Paigham – Sarhad Ke Naam’.
As part of the initiative, 92.7 BIG FM’s RJs – Prateek, Balaji, Shruthi and Abhimanyu will host an event for the jawans. While the RJs will interact with soldiers over conversations and games, popular singer Aakriti Kakkar will entertain the jawans with some soulful songs and renditions at Siachen.
Apart from a normal life, soldiers are also unable to interact with family members from time to time. Giving life to the campaign, ‘BIG Paigham – Sarhad Ke Naam’, the RJs will collect messages from family members of soldiers stationed at Siachen and read out all messages to them as part of the initiative. They will also take messages from the jawans and communicate them back to their loved ones.
Ashwin Padmanabhan
Speaking on the occasion, Ashwin Padmanabhan, Chief Operating Officer, Reliance Broadcast Network Limited stated, “Independence Day celebrations of a country especially one with a democracy and secularity like ours, largely signifies the unity that is prevalent amongst citizens. We celebrate it extensively but we also tend to forget that our jawans are still out there safeguarding our country. To extend our gratitude to them, we will be celebrating this Independence Day differently, doing something that no one ever has – travelling to the top of the Siachen glacier and accompanying the jawans, living their life and celebrating the occasion with them. Our RJs are extremely excited to listen to their stories and I am certain that our listeners will enjoy listening to them on-air too.â€
Looking forward to an unforgettable experience in Siachen, singer Aakriti Kakkar said, “I am delighted to partner with 92.7 BIG FM and be the chosen one for such a prestigious activity for Independence Day. This will be my closest experience to witnessing greatness, feeling nationalist and embracing the patriotism in its truest form in Siachen. It is truly an honour and I feel in my own little way, this is perhaps the least I can do for our country’s forces through music. I owe every day we live to them and it is so humbling a feeling to be able to live few moments with them this Independence Day, all thanks to 92.7 BIG FM.â€
The Kargil war will forever remain etched in the memories of Indians who came together in support of soldiers as they fought with all their vigour to take back the command of the high outposts that was lost to Pakistani intruders. With years gone by, we all tend to forget the sacrifices they made to protect us. To bring them back and alive in the hearts and minds of the citizens, 92.7 BIG FM, on the occasion of the 16th Kargil Vijay Diwas, a celebration to salute the heroes, was the only radio network in India to capture the festivities in full swing at the Drass base camp in Kargil, reminding the country of the very reason that enabled them to sleep peacefully at night during the heart-rending war.
As a part of this initiative too, the radio network’s honourable intentions to keep the jawans of the Kargil war forever engraved in history is a way of spreading gratitude among the people for their noble deeds. RJs from 92.7 BIG FM were stationed at the Kargil base camp from July 24th – 26th. As they basked in the celebrations that honour the brave soldiers, they shared stories of their heroism directly from the family members of the martyrs themselves. A distinctive element of the campaign was that the RJs lived the life of a soldier during their visit and shared their experiences along with the difficulties and hardships that a soldier goes through while performing his duty.
Bad weather and tough terrains never stopped the young jawans from doing their duty towards the country and fighting the highest battle ever fought at 18,000 feet and it did not stop the RJs either as they drove through extreme conditions to be with the soldiers and celebrate the special day.
As RJs indulged in activities to share experiences and festivities from the base camp, General N.C. Vij, the DGMO and Chief of Army Staff during the war, went on-air on July 26th and shared his experiences and incidents from the battle right from the first day when it all began till the last day of the war.
Ashwin Padmanabhan
Speaking of the occasion, Ashwin Padmanabhan, Executive Vice President and Business Head, Reliance Broadcast Network Limited said, “This was a great opportunity for us to pay our respects to the jawans. Usually, incidents become memories, no matter how big or heroic that incident may be. To keep memories of these brave young men alive and offer our appreciation and respect to the men who forged ahead to protect the country, we took this opportunity upon ourselves to do something earnest for them.â€
BIG Memsaab is set to return with season 6 on BIG Magic Ganga. Starting in August 2015, the show will be anchored and judged by celebrities as famous Bhojpuri actress Smriti Sinha, Hindi TV actor Sumit Vats and renowned folk singer - Malini Awasti. The 26 episode series will be telecasted twice a week and is sure to enthrall and entertain audiences with its unique content.
BIG Memsaab is one of the popular talent-based reality shows of the region which enables participants to showcase their talent through unique rounds. Participants have to qualify for the three stages of audition -Talented Memsaab, this round will focus on various talents that the participants can showcase, few shortlisted contestants will move to the next stage - Khubsoorat Memsaab, where they will be judged on their grooming capabilities. Qualifying in the second stage, the semi-finalists will reach the third audition round which will be -Kitchen Ki Memsaab where they will have to showcase their cooking skills. The battle for the title does not end here; the contestants who will qualify for the third stage will compete in the finale.
Speaking on BIG Memsaab’s Season 6 launch, Ashwin Padmanabhan, Executive Vice President and Business Head, Reliance Broadcast Network Limited said, “After receiving an enormous response for our last five seasons, we have come up with a brand new season of the show. Being the No1 regional channel of the heartland, we only strive to provide original content which is entertaining and can engage maximum viewers. To make this platform available for maximum number of women in the region, we are once again back bigger and better this season.”
ZenithOptimedia India has been appointed as the digital partner for the entire digital mandate with Reliance Broadcast Network Limited. ZenithOptimedia’s Performics won the business after a competitive pitch amongst key digital agencies.
Ashwin Padmanabhan
Confirming the appointment, Ashwin Padmanabhan, Executive Vice President & Business Head, Reliance Broadcast Network said,“As our brands 92.7 BIG FM, BIG Magic and BIG Magic Ganga continue to expand their digital footprints, it was imperative that we work with a partner who understands our brands and is ahead of the curve in the design and execution of digital and social media communication, Performics fits this bill perfectly for us.â€
“We are really excited to partner with a diverse content producer client like Reliance Broadcast Network Limited. We believe that the Performics global playbook on media technology that drives planning across platform and channel were our key differentiators.†said Tanmay Mohanty, MD, Performics.
Reliance Broadcast Network Limited has announced an integration of its senior management tea to work across its radio and television divisions.
The executive leadership team with Tarun Katial at the helm as Chief Excutive Officer will comprise:
Asheesh Chatterjee as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, looking at new opportunities and expansion plans in addition to Finance and Regulatory
Ashwin Padmanabhan as Executive Vice President and Business Head will oversee television channels – BIG Magic and BIG Magic Ganga, in addition to handling his existing role as Business Head for 92.7 BIG FM
Sunil Kumaran as Chief Strategy Officer across revenue and product as well as marketing for both mediums
Paritosh Painter as Network Creative Director across both mediums
Lavneesh Gupta
Meanwhile, Lavneesh Gupta, who had joined RBNL as COO in December 2013, is moving on from the organisation. Said Mr Katial in a statementt: “In order to build a future ready organisation, we want to build a team of lateral leaders. Their focus will be on developing skills of the team in the areas of innovation, creativity, risk taking and adopting an entrepreneurial approach. I am certain that the team will deliver and continue to successfully drive the growth story for the Group.â€
Meanwhile the company has also announced a topline growth of 25 percent and 60% growth of EBITDA in radio.
BIG FM has announced the elevation of Jay Mehta as Station Head, Mumbai. Jay joined 92.7 BIG FM in August 2014 in the position of Sales Head – Mumbai and has been an ace performer, steadily growing revenues for the Station. In his role as Station Head, Jay’s primary responsibility will be to manage the P&L of the Station, ensuring profitability it continues to deliver value to listeners and advertisers alike.
Jay Mehta will report to Ashwin Padmanabhan, Business Head, 92.7 BIG FM.
Ashwin Padmanabhan
Jay carries with him over a decade’s work experience, with companies like Uninor, Idea Cellular, Bharti Airtel and Reliance Communications. Jay’s key strengths include innovations, strategy formulation and execution, brand launches, brand associations, and sales and distribution. He has to his credit, been a key part of the launch team of two telecom giants in India – Uninor and Idea Cellular and has been instrumental in seeding the brands during its initial periods.
Speaking on his appointment, Ashwin Padmanabhan said, “It is an absolute delight to meet and work with committed employees like Jay. His relationship skills and ability to deep dive and understand the Clients requirements and offer suitable solutions, is phenomenal. We couldn’t have found anymore more apt for this role than Jay and I am confident he will lead the entire team to the next level.â€
Speaking on this, Ashwin Padmanabhan, Business Head, 92.7 Big FM said, “We are proud of the entire team that has strived hard to offer audiences content which resonates with them, and been consistent for six consecutive months. With the competition being so aggressive, it’s pertinent to have the right mix of content, innovation and music. We have a clear vision for the station’s programming, with a commitment to local relevant content and cutting-edge interactive conversations coupled with great music and entertainment. We have, over a short span of time, created a position in the minds of our listeners that makes us synonymous with timeless music in Mumbai.”
In addition to commanding a leadership position in other key metros like Bangalore, Delhi and Kolkata as well in various parameters like reach, market share and time spent listening, the station also enjoys leadership in more than 30 cities which has enabled it to be the most sought after radio network across the country, a communique adds.
Reliance Broadcast Network has announced the appointment of Ajit Singh as National Sales Head, SME. Ajit will spearhead the sales function with SME clients across the radio and television businesses.
Ajit has over 11 years of work experience across Sales, Product Development, Compliance, New Branch Distribution management including break-even across the Banking and Insurance Industry while working across different client segments. A BCom Hons graduate from Delhi University and a Post Graduate in Management from Amity Business School, he has had a distinguished career having worked with prestigious brands in the B & I sector such as ICICI Prudential, ABN Amro Bank and IndusInd bank. In his last assignment, he was with Indusind Bank as Deputy Vice President and Business Manager – New Branch Distribution.
Ashwin Padmanabhan
Commenting on his appointment,Ashwin Padmanabhan, National Business head – 92.7 BIG FM Reliance Broadcast Networksaid, “We are delighted to welcome Ajit into the RBNL family. Ajit brings to the organization a keen sense of setting up and operationalizing new businesses, we are confident that under Ajit’s leadership the SME vertical will flourish and grow.”
On his appointment Ajit Singh said, “I believe the Media and Entertainment industry will grow at a good pace and there will be immense opportunities for learning and growth during my stint here. My agenda will be to build the company’s respectability and partnership with new and existing SME clients, while making the brand experience more enjoyable. I’m looking forward to carrying forward the fantastic work at Reliance Broadcast Network.”
(L – R) Himani Shivpuri, Sparsh Khanchandani and Alok Nath at 92.7 BIG FM’s launch press conference of Radio Ki Pehli Picture – Maa Ke Aanchal Mein in association with Clinic Plus
By a correspondent
On the occasion of Mother’s Day, 92.7 BIG FM and Clinic Plus came together to produce and launch FM radio’s first ever feature film. With a strong ensemble cast comprising names like Divya Dutta, Tisca Chopra, Sparsh Khanchandani, Alok Nath, Sachin Khedekar, Satish Shah, Himani Shivpuri and Upasana Singh, the two hour movie titled ‘Maa Ke Aanchal Mein’ has been written by Neelesh Misra and talks about a mother’s determination to educate her daughter.
With a special message on the girl child, the film has been scripted by 92.7 BIG FM’s ardent storyteller – Neelesh Misra. The film also boasts a popular star cast lending their voices to the characters. The star-cast includes the talented Divya Dutta playing the sutradhar, Tisca Chopra as the discerning mother, Sachin Khedekar – the father, Alok Nath – Dadaji, Himani Shivpuri – Daadi, Upasna Singh – Chachi, Satish Shah – Chacha and child artist Sparsh Khanchandani as the daughter.
Commenting on the occasion, Ashwin Padmanabhan, Business Head, 92.7 BIG FM stated, “We at 92.7 BIG FM have pioneered the radio-storytelling format in India and we now take it to next level with the launch of an extremely engaging first-ever radio feature film with a noble message on educating the girl child. We thank our partners for this association and are confident that the film and its humble message will resonate with listeners across our stations! ”
Srirup Mitra, General Manager, Hair Care, HUL stated, “It has been our consistent effort to strengthen the unique bond of a mother and daughter and Mother’s Day is a big celebration for us. In our capacity we have always tried to connect with daughters and facilitated them to acknowledge and appreciate their mother’s role in their life, and -the first-ever feature film is an excellent opportunity for us to convey our message.”
The decision comes on the back of the 45-station network’s decision to go completely retro in some markets especially in the key metros of Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata. The Bengaluru station’s 100 percent Kannada music has also ensured it fares well in ratings.
Ashwin Padmanabhan
Speaking on the development, Ashwin Padmanabhan, Business Head, 92.7 Big FM said: “Our product mix, ability to innovate, solutions approach and unparalleled reach sees us catering to almost 1800 clients on a monthly basis. It is now time to consolidate, while ensuring the aural experience is of best quality. This price correction will ensure that the core product and promise remain relevant to the audiences while delivering optimum value to the advertisers.”
92.7 BIG FM has launched a new logo which is contemporary, young, optimistic and fun, both in content and design.
