MxMIndia

Tag: BIG FM

  • Also rolled out initiative to encourage individuals to curb water usage

    Big FM concludes campaign to combat water shortage

    Big FM has concluded its campaign ‘Jal Andolan – Desh Ne Thaani Not to Waste Paani’ to combat water wastage. The campaign was supported by celebrities like Manoj Bajpayee, Divya Dutta, Raghubir Yadav, Faisal Malik, Mini Mathur, Alka Yagnik and Anuradha Podwal, who came together to raise awareness on water conservation .

    Said Sunil Kumaran, COO of Big FM: “The need for water is perpetual for all. As demand rises and the population grows, conserving not only water but all natural resources has become crucial. Through ‘Jal Andolan,’ we aimed to further emphasise the importance of mindful water consumption and thereby the needs for its conservation. I would like to extend my gratitude towards all the dignitaries who supported this initiative; their influence is vital in fostering a healthier environment for those without access to fresh water.”

  • The event was conceptualised and designed by Initiative India

    Big FM & Centuary Mattresses host Qoolest Sleep Concert

    Centuary Mattresses hosted the Qoolest Sleep Concert on World Sleep Day, March 15, 2024. The event, conceptualised and designed by Initiative India in collaboration with Big FM, aimed to raise awareness about the importance of sound sleep for overall well-being and provide attendees with an immersive sleep experience.

    Said Vijay Kumar Mikkilineni, GM Marketing, Centuary Mattresses, said: “We are thrilled to present the largest Qoolest Sleep Concert in India. This unique event aims to educate people about the paramount importance of sleep for our overall well-being. By integrating music, relaxation, and expert insights, we aim to highlight the crucial role quality sleep plays in our lives and nurture healthier lifestyles across the nation.”

    Added Dhirendra Singh, EVP and Mumbai Head, Initiative India: “Centuary Mattresses’ Qoolest Sleep Concert isn’t just an event; it’s a strategic masterpiece. By tapping into the trend of sleep deprivation, we, along with BIG FM, crafted a narrative that resonates deeply with consumers. This initiative positions Centuary Mattresses as a brand that understands and cares about the well-being of its audience, forging an emotional connection that transcends transactional relationships. It’s a testament to Initiative’s commitment to delivering impactful campaigns that resonate beyond traditional advertising, leaving a lasting impression on consumers and elevating Centuary Mattresses’ brand stature in the market.”

  • To get added responsibilities in revenue and technical departments

    Big FM elevates Sunil Kumaran as COO

    By Our Staff

     

    Sunil Kumaran
    Sunil Kumaran

    Big FM, the  radio network, has recently announced the elevation of Sunil Kumaran as Chief Operating Officer. Kumaran will spearhead revenue (Sales, Sales Support, Revenue Maximisation, Account Planning) and technical functions besides continuing his current responsibility of brand (Programming, Marketing and Solutions) and boosting digital growth of the network.

     

    Speaking about his new role, Kumaran said: “We are going through a transformative time in our journey at Big.  Tapping into our strengths, we have embarked on an aggressive growth plan to leverage the opportunities presented by the fast evolving digital landscape. I am happy to move into this role where I get to work with a top-of-the-line cross functional team, to drive this evolution and growth.”

     

    Added Abraham Thomas, CEO, Reliance Broadcast Network Limited: “Sunil is a proven leader and we aim to leverage every ounce of his superpowers as a revenue, product, content, and marketing visionary to write Big FM’s success story.  His remarkable brand commitment, together with strategic vision, navigating through changing industry dynamics, constant client/listener focus, leading teams and setting them up for success and understanding of how we come together at Big FM to execute against opportunities in a collaborative way will open up avenues for Big FM to create newer milestones. Here is wishing Sunil all the very best in his new assignment. I am confident in the commitment and the ability of our teams to rise to this challenge and script the biggest comeback story of the post-Covid era.”

     

     

  • The campaign encourages people to join the Pride rally from the safety of their homes…

    Big FM and Mcgarrybowen India launch #PrideFromHomeByBigFM

    By A Correspondent

     

    Big FM has together with Mcgarrybowen India, the creative agency from the house of Dentsu Aegis Network (DAN), taken its philosophy ‘Dhun Badal Ke Toh Dekho’ a step further in its latest campaign, #PrideFromHomeByBigFM.

     

    Notes a communique: “The Covid-19 induced global pandemic that enforced a strict national directive that everyone follow physical distancing, has led people to stop expressing themselves at public gatherings including the Pride March. Therefore, Big FM, in association with Mcgarrybowen India, decided to encourage everyone to be part of the Pride parade without leaving their homes and showing support by hoisting an unusual flag from the safety of their homes.”

     

     

  • Big FM RJs will initiate conversations by highlighting and engaging with listeners on the causes of increasing road accidents

    Big FM, HDFC Ergo seek to curtail use of high beams, in latest ad film

    By A Correspondent

     

    Big FM in association with HDFC Ergo has initiated the ‘High Beam – Not OK Please’ campaign. The brands have highlighted an issue of the excessive usage of high beam while driving, which is a huge threat to human lives, becoming the cause of many road accidents in the country.
    Said Mehmood Mansoori, President – Shared Services & Online Business, HDFC Ergo General Insurance: “We are glad to be associated with Big FM for the campaign which is the need of the hour, to create awareness on the misuse of High Beam on the roads of our country. Knowingly or unknowingly, we tend to make the mistake of using high beam while driving without thinking of its effects on the driver of a vehicle coming from the opposite end. Through this campaign, we aim to help people understand the hazards of using a high beam.”

     

     

  • The cause, which falls under the radio network’s purpose-driven initiatives, aims at creating awareness and importance of plantation amongst the citizen

    92.7 BIG FM partners IDFC First Bank to launch ‘TreePublic’

    By A Correspondent

     

    92.7 Big FM has launched of ‘TreePublic’, a cause which supports plantation of trees and throws light on the importance of plantation. This is in partnership with IDFC First.

     

    Speaking about the cause and collaboration, Asheesh Chatterjee, Chief Business Officer and Chief Finance Officer, Big FM said: “Our purpose-driven initiatives have always strived to bring positive change in our society. We understand the importance of a clean and green environment and with the ongoing situation of hazardous air, it was important to make our listeners aware about the significance of environment. Through TreePublic, we aim to plug in the value of plantation. We are happy to collaborate with IDFC First Bank.”

     

    Adding to this, Shreepad Shende, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, IDFC First Bank said: “To commemorate the first anniversary of IDFC First Bank, we are delighted to launch the ‘TreePublic’ initiative in partnership with 92.7 Big FM. Customers now not only have an opportunity to grow their wealth with 7 per cent interest per annum on their savings account but also to grow trees for a better and greener future.”

     

     

  • Through Frequen-See, the radio station aims to reach out to the sound-deprived community of 18 million Indians

    Big FM reaches out to the hearing impaired with Frequen-See

    By A Correspondent

     

    Big FM has launched Frequen-See, ian initiative to make radio accessible for the hearing-impaired community. This innovation has been brought about via a web application that has been created especially for people with a hearing impairment. It performs real-time transcription of speech and sound to help them discover what’s being streamed live on air.

    https://www.facebook.com/bigfmindia/videos/436015937312445/

    Speaking on the launch of this innovation, an unnamed spokesperson from the radio network said: “Though radio has always been one of the biggest mediums of entertainment for millions of people, there are about 18 million people who are hearing impaired today. For this set of audience who were not a part of the radio’s universe earlier, Big FM now brings them under one umbrella. We are extremely proud to introduce this path-breaking innovation, Frequen-See which will not only change the game of radio but will reach way beyond.”

     

     

  • 10 Lakh listeners tune-in while 500,000 watch video within 12 hours

    ‘Big Mahalaya’ ad campaign gets good social media traction

    By A Correspondent

     

    Big FM, aided by Dentsu Webchutney, had a special programme on Septmeber 28 on Mahalaya.

     

    Said Aalap Desai, Executive Creative Director, Dentsu Webchutney: “For 87 years, Bengalis all over the world have been following the iconic Mahalaya programme created by the Birendra Krishna Bhadra, which narrates the story and praises the goddess Durga. This year, keeping in line with Big FM’s positioning, we thought of creating a modern-day rendition of this iconic piece but with a powerful message. #BIGMahalaya’s concept revolves around adapting progressive thoughts and inclusion, resulting in a new outlook of equal opportunities. The idea was simple and needed a lot of people to come together to make it happen and today we are proud of what we have achieved.”

     

    Speaking about the association, Sunil Kumaran, Country Head – Product, Marketing & Thwink Big, Big FM said, “Over the years, women have refrained from being a part of many traditions due to pre-set mandates. But with changing times, one can see how our thoughts are progressing and becoming more and more inclusive. Backed by our aim to create thought changing content which breaks stereotypes, BIG Mahalaya is our attempt to pack the message of inclusiveness and create a modern-day version of this age-old tradition. The original piece is iconic and cannot be replaced, but our 40 min rendition is an attempt at progressing towards a more inclusive and equal approach. We are extremely proud of this initiative which will create an impact in the society.”

     

     

  • Starting in the third week of March, Balan will be on air five days a week on the recently refreshed 92.7 Big FM

    Vidya Balan turns radio jockey in real life with Big FM

    By A Correspondent

     

    Swapneel Naidu (Sr. VP & BH) Consumer Healthcare_ Asheesh Chatterjee CFO, BIG FM, Sunil Kumaran, Country Head, Thwink, RBN_ Vidya Balan_ Abe Thomas, CEO, RBN_ Sujesh Vasudevan (President, India Formulations, ME&A)

    Remember the endearing RJ in Lage Raho Munna Bhai and the slightly eccentric on in Tumhari Sallu… well, Vidya Balan will be on air five days a week on the recently refreshed 92.7 Big FM.

     

    The show titled- ‘Dhun Badal Ke Toh Dekho with Vidya Balan’ already has sponsors on board in the form of Muthoot Fincorp and VWash by Glenmark. The programme, notes a communique, aims to give impetus to positive conversations on relevant social topics and aptly features path-breaking star Vidya Balan as the radio show host for the very first time. Slated to launch in the third week of  March, the show will air every weekday evening from 7 to 9pm, with repeats on Saturday and Sunday.

     

    Talking about the show, Abraham Thomas, CEO, BIG FM said: “In these demanding times, people are expecting more and more from media brands such as ours. There is an expectation to bring purpose in to brands. In keeping with this expectation, we are moving from ‘mere entertainment to entertainment with a purpose.’ Our purpose is to influence people’s thinking. ‘Dhun Badal Ke Toh Dekho’ is Big FM’s endeavour to inspire people’s thoughts for a better tomorrow.”

     

    Added Sunil Kumaran, Country Head, Thwink Big, Big FM : “Big FM believes that as a brand it can ‘Inspire Thinking’ and through its line of ‘Dhun Badalke Toh Dekho’ we want to urge people to look at life from various perspectives and not be rigid in their approach. The show with Vidya Balan will bring out this philosophy in a never seen before format going across the country on the Big FM radio network and on digital. The show picks up wide ranging topics right from serious to light-hearted ones with a promise that it will stimulate conversations. Driven by Vidya, the show will also have experts and other celebrities discussing these topics. The show starts by the third week of March on 92.7 Big FM.”

     

     

  • Sunil Kumaran, Country Head, THWINK, talks about the new positioning and refresh of Big FM

    ‘It’s easy to make a promise but to deliver that is always tough’

     

    Big FM, the radio station network from the Reliance Broadcast stable, announced its big change last week. Change in the form of the channel identity, credo and its programming. Sunil Kumaran, who returned to the Big FM fold last as head of its inhouse advertising arm THWINK, is leading the agenda on the transformation – specifically in terms of content, experience and marketing. MxMIndia caught up with Kumaran last week for a freewheeling discussion.

     

    The reason behind moving from Suno Sunao Life Banao to Dhun Badal Ke Toh Dekho:

    ‘Life Banao’ has been the proposition for Big FM for many, many years. Life banao was all about how can we enrich people’s lives. A great proposition which held us for a good many years. The product was fairly differentiated in the market for a very long time because of the music.

    Retro music, you mean?

    We played the timeless kind of music which actually withstood the test of time so by default we could attract a slightly more mature, evolved audience… which was great. There was a differentiated positioning in the market. Also, from an advertiser perspective that is the most lucrative group that most advertisers would go after. So it worked very well for us for many, many years. We realised it was a time in the journey of Big FM that we need to refresh the brand. Primarily because radio’s role in people’s lives is changing. Radio is now not the only destination for music. From your playlist to online sites, you can curate your own music very easily given the easy digital availability. So, people are not necessarily coming for only music though music remains one of the biggest reason why people come to radio. We realised it’s important to talk about what the brand stands for which is not just about music. But beyond music. I think that’s very, very important. It’s very important for a brand. What does the brand stand for?

    When people come to a brand, they want to know what is the reason of your existence. What do you bring to me as a brand rather than tell me about the product feature which is music. So that’s the understanding with which we started this journey, two-three months back saying we need to actually play a meaningful and relevant role in the life of our consumers and not just be projected as a music offering, because radio has much more to offer than music. That music is a mainstay. There is an amazing amount of credibility that jocks (radio jockeys) carry with it. There are strong influences in their own right and they are credible voices in the market that they operate. Radio is extremely localised. Radio is very flexible as a medium in terms of communication. It’s very here and now. There are many strengths of the medium. The platform and the medium has stayed with time, adapted itself. That strengthen can be leveraged very, very effectively. If you want to position yourself as a brand. That’s how the journey [of the refresh] started.

     

    You mentioned that music will not be the mainstay

    Consumers are going through a massive disruption that is happening all around us. There is so much chaos and confusion that comes with this rapid amount of growth that has happened.  The consumer is going through lot of stress and anxiety. And the media is fuelling that in a large way. If you look at any of the media platforms, most people end up taking very strong positions in the market. Even if it is a small issue you will have very small debates and discussion happening and people taking positions. Now if that is the state of mind that the consumer is going through and this is where the medium stands in terms of what are the roles mediums can play. The sweet spot is where the purpose can be defined. You can actually play a meaningful rule in the life of the consumers where you help them navigate through this chaos that is happening in and around us.

    Does that mean more talk and less music?

    Not necessary. It’s not about quantity of conversation, it is the kind of conversation.

    In specific terms, is the quantity of talk v/s music has that changed?

    Not really. It’s the kind of conversation that is changing.

    The kind of conversation also means people like Vrajesh Hirjee who don’t come cheap. Does that mean spends on talent goes up?  

    It does go up. Because you invest in good talent. Because talent makes a big difference. We value the role that an RJ would play in the lives of the consumers. When we started this journey we asked what can we do as a brand. How can we distinguish ourselves from the rest in the market? So we said that we as a brand need to have a purpose. Given the fact that this is the strength of the medium and what the consumers are going through, let’s play a role in what the thoughts inspire in the lives of people. It’s very important that when a brand makes a promise, the promise has to be very trustworthy and also able to deliver on a day-to-day basis.

    It’s easy to make a promise but to deliver that is always tough. Finally, what the consumer is going to see is not the vision statement that one comes up with. But what s/he is finally experiencing on a day-to-day basis as per the product is concerned. So we came up with   this whole proposition of big FM from now on will become the thought inspirer. We will probably not take a very strong position and say that everything is in black-and-white but we will make people look at issues form different perspectives. Because our philosophy is if you really want to bring about a change the change starts here in your mind. If you want you can make people think differently from different perspectives that’s where progress and growth happens. That radio as a brand can play the role brilliantly. It’s a companion medium, the jocks are very credible. It’s very local here and now. All this allows you to play that role very effectively not just a promise but a promise that you can deliver.

    Who are your new jocks? One is Vrajesh who has replaced Siddharth…

    Siddharth has moved on so Vrajesh has come in. In Bengaluru, we have an evening jock called Pradeepa

    Who is the evening jock in Mumbai?

    Dilip.

    Same as before.

    Yes. Our morning jock in Delhi is RJ Nitin. He has been with us for quite some time but very, very credible names…

    Of course, Anu Kapoor continues to be there and so does

    Neelesh Mishra…. All these shows will now start reflecting the philosophy because that’s the change.

    Can you give me an example how Annu Kapoor’s show will be different?

    Annu Kapoor show will now look at how movies have started impacting lives. How movies have reflected on society and how society has reflected back on movies. So that’s the perspective he will bring to his conversation which was more information-based earlier. So now it will be more perspectives-based. He will hence have a view on why, what happened in a particular movie. The premise remains the same, fantastic take on yesteryears which people love. But now it will be a reflection on those stories on society. Neelesh Mishra for instance is a great storyteller and he has been doing stories from the heartland for quite some time. He will also bring in forms of storytelling. So there is an interesting format which he has come up with. He picks up a common premise and he will come up with six different stories with that common premise. Opening the minds of people thinking that listen if you look at things form different perspectives the endings will be very, very different.

    Do you think some of these goody-goody, change-the-world stuff can bore listeners?

    It actually depends on how you deliver. We are not saying we will change the world. We are saying that we will make you start look at things differently. We are very clear in our heads that we are not making these extremely lofty promise of ‘we are out here to change the world’. Not at all. We are here to make you think because that’s what we can play as a role. Very, very effectively. You are listening to me on an everyday basis. We can trigger some conversations in your head. The thoughts in your head. Whether it becomes boring after a point in time completely depends on the way you treat it. I am in no way saying that we are going to become a very serious preachy channel. Far from it. The entertainment remains the core and we look at things from a lighter here and now perspective. It is not going to be a serious CSR kind of thing. It’s not going to be that kind of thing at all because radio is entertaining. If you look at Vrajesh’s show, it’s packed with fun and entertainment.

     

    Read the rest of the interview with Sunil Kumaran on MxMIndia tomorrow.

     

  • The new tagline 'Dhun Badal Ke Toh Dekho' will reflect on the network's new brand philosophy

    Big FM revamps with new hosts & shows

    By A Correspondent

     

    Leading radio station network Big FM has adopted a new positioning. It’s now: ‘Dhun Badal Ke toh Dekho’.

     

    On the repositioning, Sunil Kumaran, Country Head, THWINK, Big FM said: “Big FM is evolving with the changing times. With the new positioning, Big FM will play a meaningful, relevant and compelling role in lives of consumers. It will not just be about entertainment but a brand that has a purpose. With its extensive reach, localised content and credible RJs the brand will play the role of a ‘thought inspirer’ and an agent of positive change in society. Our new tag line of ‘Dhun Badal Ke Toh Dekho’ reflects the philosophy that ‘Changing the world for the better starts with changing your thoughts’. If we want real change, it is important that we are not rigid in our approach and thinking but are open to looking at things from multiple perspectives.”

     

    According to a communique, singer Sonu Nigam has lent his voice for the ‘Dhun Badal Ke Toh Dekho” song, the audio and video of which went live on January 14.

     

    Realigning the programming to reflect the new positioning, Big FM has refreshed the music promise besides bringing on board some big names from the radio and entertainment space across all key markets. Actor Vrajesh Hirjee will host ‘Mumbai Maska Maar Ke’ a fresh perspective on life in Mumbai. Some of the iconic shows will now have new formats and innovations. ‘’Suhaana Safar with Annu Kapoor Take 2’’ will witness ‘dhun badlo’ stories from yesteryears and ’Yaadon ka Idiot Box with Neelesh Misra’’ will reflect new styles of storytelling. reviewer Bhawana Somaaya and fitness expert Simmi Sakhuja

     

     

  • Celebrities such as Ayushmann Khurrana, Nargis Fakri, Sonu Sood have supported the campaign

    Big FM’s #IAmNotSorry seeks to break societal stereotypes

    By A Correspondent

     

    Big FM has launched its latest campaign #IAmNotSorry. The campaign revolves around the concept of breaking barriers and inspiring listeners with stories of individuals breaking stereotypes and the ones who are not afraid or apologetic of their choices.

     

    Speaking about the campaign, Manoj Lalwani, Chief Marketing Officer, Big FM said: “Big FM has time and again reflected upon the important aspects concerning day to day lives. The ‘#IAmNotSorry’ campaign is aimed at encouraging listeners to be forthcoming about their brazen choices and promoting an equal acceptance by the society. Radio is the only free to consume medium that is accessed by the masses and we intend to leverage our unparalleled reach to communicate with the audience and bring about a positive change through the campaign.”