Big 92.7 Fm From Adlabs (reliance) To Roll Out First Phase In Six Metros

[abhay 0]

ADAG's Big 92.7 FM to roll out first phase in six metros

The $ 22 billion Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group (ADAG) is soon to launch its radio station: Big FM with a common frequency of 92.7 across 45 stations.

According to an official statement, the first phase will cover the six metros of Delhi, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai, later spreading to virgin territories like Jammu, Srinagar, Aligarh and Bikaner...

The announcement makes official news first broken by Indiantelevision.com that ADAG's FM network would be launched under the brand Big.

The announcement was however silent on network's launch date. Industry sources say ADAG is targeting 12 October for the launch of its radio station.

Said Adlabs Radio COO Tarun Katial, There will be high amount of interactivity on the station and we will use it as a platform for consumers, taking on issues which are word of mouth and bring listener emotions to the fore. By early next year, we will be present across India from Srinagar to Trivandrum and Surat to Guwahati."

As already reported by Indiantelevision.com, Big FM will be looking to leverage upon is the massive mobile phone user subscriber base that sister concern and telecom major Reliance Infocomm provides. Big FM will be introducing a lot of interactive features with the specific aim of building a community of cell users hooked in to the station.

Katial says the network will be adopting a two-pronged launch strategy. "While the metros are ideal to establish brand recognition and recall, the other virgin markets are completely new and fresh to explore, giving us an opportunity to provide an entertainment medium to the listeners."

With an investment of Rs 4 billion dedicated to transmission equipment, infrastructure and licensing, the proposed network for Adlabs Radio will be the largest ever, the company asserts.

The overall manpower strength will stand at 1,500 employees nationwide. The IP protocol technology being utilized for Big FM has been sourced from AXIA, USA making this station amongst the first to utilize such superior gear in Asia. Extensive research on consumer tastes and moods will ensure that the content aired complements the listeners' tastes and provides them a dynamic, interactive platform.

Katial concluded, "The station will see the swiftest set up of a 45-station network ever!"

http://www.indiantelevision.com/headlines/y2k6/sep/sep35.htm

BIG FM what kind of a name is that ??

[Arun 795]

Adlabs Radio: It's 'Big', young and contemporary

AgencyFAQs

Mumbai, September 05, 2006

The much-awaited radio foray by Adlabs Radio will happen in a month's time. "Big 92.7 FM" will be launched in four-six weeks in the six metros and other areas such as Srinagar, Jhansi, Bikaner, Aligarh, etc. The company has got licences for 45 radio stations in India, but among the first to go on air will be Chennai, Hyderabad and Delhi.

"Big 92.7 FM" will be primarily targeted at young adults in the 18-35-year age bracket. The positioning of the radio stations will be "young and contemporary". "Our radio stations will cater to human emotions of the listeners and will have 40 per cent of unduplicated music," explains Tarun Katial, COO, Adlabs Radio.

Elaborating further on Big 92.7 FM's uniqueness, Katial says, "For our radio stations, the listener is the hero, not the station itself." Mature, credible and distinct content is what this radio station promises.

About the music, it will air music from all genres and will cater to all segments including all SECs, according to Katial. "We will primarily look at each region and content will be decided accordingly. The shows will be completely different in each of the regions," he states.

It will have celebrity radio jockeys for prime shows during the breakfast time band. The celebrity will be a known name from the film, television or music fraternity. To top it all, 'Big 92.7 FM' will have a celebrity brand ambassador.

Adlabs Radio is investing more than Rs 45 crore in the marketing and communication of its radio venture. About the media mix, Katial says that television will be the priority, unlike other radio stations, and adds: "The rationale behind this is to convert even the non-listeners of radio to listeners."

Apart from television, the media mix will comprise below-the-line activities, outdoor and print. For its marketing communications, Adlabs Radio has appointed JWT as its creative agency and Optimum Media Solutions as its media agency.

One advantage Big Radio will be looking to leverage upon is the massive mobile phone user subscriber base that sister concern and telecom major Reliance Infocomm provides. Big Radio will be introducing a lot of interactive features with the specific aim of building a community of cell users hooked in to the station, industry sources have told the media.

[@ksh@T 20]

Adlabs’ Big FM set to hit the waves from Delhi

ASHISH SINHA

NEW DELHI, Reliance-Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group’s Adlabs Radio will kick off its 44-city FM network from Delhi later this month. The group has decided to brand its network ‘Big FM 92.7’.

Big FM will also be the first radio network in the country to rope in stars like Amitabh Bachchan to host programmes on the network as full-time presenters. Adlabs is India’s biggest FM radio licence holder along with Sun TV network owned by South Asia FM, which also has licences for 44 cities. Adlabs paid Rs 110 crore in fee for licences in 44 cities.

The company is also in talks with radio companies in the US and Europe to divest 20% equity for foreign direct investment (FDI). “We will start with Delhi this month and by March next year, will launch all our stations. We will offer a nationwide footprint for advertisers with a unique programming mix,” Tarun Katial, CEO, Adlabs Radio, told FE.

For advertisers, Big FM would price its effective 10-second advertising spots at Rs 3,000-3,500 —at par with market leaders like Radio Mirchi and Radio City, sources said.

Currently, India’s 25 FM stations generate Rs 350 crore in advertising revenue with nearly 14 crore listeners. “When all the 300 stations are launched, the number of listeners will be over 30 crore and FM radio will generate advertising worth over Rs 1,500 crore,” Rajiv Mishra, president of Association of Radio Operators in India, said.

Currently, Radio Mirchi leads with 5 crore listeners, while Radio City is second with 4.5 crore. Adlabs aims to reach out to 7 crore listeners

[Nirvana 4]

BIG 92.7 FM to kick off in Delhi on 25 September, 2006

Plans promotions around single frequency branded radio sets

Mumbai: Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group (ADAG) is kicking off its first FM radio station in Delhi on 25 September. And by 15 October, it will have nine stations up and running, spread across the four metros, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Jammu, Srinagar and Aligarh.

Under the brand Big 92.7 fm, the launch of the radio stations will be backed by heavy promotions. The budget set aside: Rs 450 million.

Big 92.7 has contracted vendors to manufacture one lakh radio sets to be distributed through contests, online merchandising and on ground activities. These will be single frequency branded radio sets so that consumers get to sample the programming of Big 92.7.

The company is also tieing up with manufactures for co-branded radio sets. In addition, alliance partnerships with about 600 - 700 media and retail outlets are being planned, which will air and promote the station among a mass audience. Transportation and college canteens are also being considered as potential public areas to promote Big 92.7.

"Our strategy is to give visibility to the brand and get a sample feedback. This is critical to our launch period," says Big 92.7 fm marketing head Anand Chakravorthy.

Big 92.7 has kicked off a teaser campaign in Delhi last week with the catch phrase "Sirf baro ke liye," reinforcing its positioning as an adult contemporary station. This will be followed by a full fledged advertising campaign to be unleashed in phases across the country.

Edited September 23, 2006 by Nirvana

[abhay 0]

any exact date for mumbai launch ??

[petar 15]

12 october is being rumored as the date. Cant gurantee though.

[srini 1]

12 october is being rumored as the date. Cant gurantee though.

I read in a telugu news paper that it got launched in HYD yesterday....any update from HYD guys??

[Arun 795]

BIG 92.7 FM hits city airwaves

United News of India

Chennai, Sept 27

Chennaiites get their fourth FM station with BIG 92.7 FM, a part of Adlabs Film Limited, hitting the city's airwaves today (September 27).

To connect with listeners, it has signed on the vivacious and talented actor Asin as the brand ambassador for Tamil Nadu, the first such move by any FM station in the country.

Having bagged licenses to roll out in 45 centres across India, the radio station, already launched in Delhi and Hyderabad, is next headed to Bangalore, Mumbai and Kolkata, besides the "virgin" territories of Jammu, Srinagar and Aligarh over the next month.

Announcing the launch at a press conference here, company Chief Operating Officer Tarun Katial said BIG 92.7 FM had aimed to touch 200 million listeners, that is every fifth Indian across the country, every third urban Indian and every eighth Indian in rural areas.

With an investment of Rs 400 crore dedicated to transmission equipment, infrastructure and licensing, the proposed network would be the largest ever, he added.

Company Regional Head-South Lakshmi Sharath said the programmes of BIG 92.7 FM were based on extensive research and in-depth analysis of the preferences of the people of Chennai.

The shows on the radio station would not only offer local flavour and city-connect through relevant content and interesting information and updates, but would also play music which appealed to the local tastes, she added.

The station had roped in popular TV personalities Uma Riyaz Khan and Chetan, besides famous radio jockeys like Balaji and Dheena.

Some of the interesting programmes that are in store include 'Alaipayuthe' - a special time for women to rekindle the romance in their lives and 'Ragasiyamai- where in one can share a secret which he/she wanted to get off his/her chest.

Abhishek is brand ambassador for Big FM

Adlabs' radio venture Big 92.7 FM has appointed the ubercool Abhishekh Bachchan as its brand ambassador.

Big 92.7 FM COO Tarun Katial said, “At Big 92.7 FM, we will be driven by the desire to give new and innovative radio programming to millions of Indians. We will not only present unique, city-specific content but also rope in personalities who will connect with the listeners and provide the glamour quotient. Our detailed research on the city’s psychographics will ensure that the station sounds refreshing and different, with a major focus on utilities and entertainment.”

Abhishek Bachchan said, “Radio has risen phoenix-like after being overshadowed by the visual medium. With the launch of Big 92.7 FM, this romance with the radio is set to continue and intensify. My association with Big 92.7 FM gives me the chance not only to be part of this amazing story, but also to connect directly with the Indian audiences. I am delighted to be involved in this exciting adventure, and confident that Big 92.7 FM with its nationwide network will take radio experience to new heights.”

To ensure high aspiration and connect with the listeners, Big 92.7 FM has signed on celebrity RJs such as Mona Singh and Gaurav Gera of the Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahi fame, comedian Sunil Pal of The Great Indian Laughter Challenge and Shweta Tiwari from Kasauti Zindagii Kay.

Big FM to play most preferred music

As part of the research initiative, the first phase of Music Testing involved The Auditorium Music Test that was carried out on a strong sample size of over 10,000 respondents across the 6 metros. This brought forth the nuances of music preferences by gender and age. In the second phase, BIG 92.7FM created dummy play-lists consisting of hour long capsules of music and conducted blind tests with consumers across the 6 metros. Here too, consumers mostly preferred the play-lists designed by the research team, which will soon be heard on the Radio Station across the nation.

Speaking about the music differentiation on the new radio station Mr. Tarun Katial, COO, BIG 92.7FM said, "BIG 92.7FM will be a radio channel with a difference. Not only will our music content be unique but also the listeners will be treated to songs that they wish to here and not what are perceived

to be hits otherwise.

While Bollywood music is the most preferred in metros like Delhi and Mumbai, the play-list composition is what will differentiate BIG 92.7FM from other channels. Our thrust here has been to look not only at what current FM listeners want, but also at what FM non-listeners would like to hear on a FM channel." added Mr. Katiyal.

Deepa Soman, CEO, Lumiere, the music research agency for BIG 92.7 FM reveals, “An interesting consistent finding showed that most people around the country found a need gap in the current radio programming as there was no religious slot early morning which they could turn on as a ritual habit. They would like a show which either plays bhajans or chants to start their day off. Likewise, many non listeners tend to prefer listening to their own collections of music instead of tuning into radio as they had more control of what they were hearing. Most of these habitually preferred to hear entire albums of their favourite artists and therefore, dedicated slots on one artist eg: Rafi, Lata Mangeshkar etc. are the way to motivate this non listening community to tune in.”

BIG 92.7 FM will be airing shows to cater to both these needs and more. Added to which, as per an internal estimate, 40% of BIG 92.7 FM’s Music Play-list will be unique and not heard before on other FM stations. Differentiation being a key mantra for any media channel, the music on BIG 92.7 FM is all set to do just that especially for its listeners.

[KumaarShah 143]

It is available in Chennai already for the last three to four days, however it as an only Tamil FM channel much like the other existing FM channels.

[abhay 0]

just found out the ip address for BIG 92.7 fm !! dont know its Domain Name though!!

http://64.26.25.112

hey guys i think there will be a very very long delay in mumbai launch coz for RADIO ONE (92.5 fm) and BIG (92.7 fm) frequency clash

law recommends that there should be @least 0.4 MHZ difference between the two allocated frequences

but BIG has been allocated this frequency (92.7 ) all over india

now lets c if RADIO ONE gets new frequency or BIG changes its frequency and launches it

Edited October 10, 2006 by abhay

[srini 1]

I think Radio One has to vacate that frequency and move on to 94.3. Even Radio Mirchi in Blore did the same at Bangalore by moving from 93.3 to 98.3 and made way for BIG FM launch.

I think the freq gap should be atleast 0.8 Mhz as i noticed in Blore the channel freq as below

Radio City--91

Radio Indigo--91.9

Big FM--92.7

Vacant(presently)---93.5

Radio one---94.3

Mirchi---98.3

BIG FM is completely with local flavour...Blore being a cosmo city, they should play more HINDI songs apart from local language songs..

Edited October 13, 2006 by srini

[shashank 8]

Radio Mirchi rocks!Atleast in bnagalore.

[tanveer 59]

Here is my ranking (Delhi)

1. 104 in test phase.

2. 95 FM

3. 94.3

4. 93.5

5. 91

6. 98.3

7. 92.7 (Its s**ks in Delhi). Hope they are not recrutiting sosme of their CC guys as RJs)

8. 102.6 AIR ( was much better earlier as Times FM)

9. 106.4, 105.6 - Prasar Bharti s**ks

Edited October 13, 2006 by tanveer

[abhay 0]

heres mine

1) Radio ONE 92.5 (although GO 92.5 fm was much much more better)

2) 93.5 RED FM

3) 98.3 Radio Mirchi

4) Radio City 91 FM

5) 107 FM rainbow

6) 102 fm FM Gold < su*kz big time

hey guys i dint get one thing though !! how can the gove allocate a frequency which is already in use to some other operator ??? or some other frequency which is not technically feasible ??? << y did govt allocate these frequency's in first place to BIG FM in mumbai and banglore ??

[lostjournal 7]

i know one thing..in Bangalore..the worst fm channel is

BIG - 92.7( it s**ks big time).

91( radio city) 98.3 (mirchi) and 94.3(radio one) plays good songs..

91.9 (Indigo) all english is also great.

even fm rainbow 101.3 plays some great songs..(its not 24 hr channel )

[cracker 0]

I still enjoy listening BBC world service but some time it is very difficult to tune this channel as it is in short wave

Its 12.50am in mumbai, 9gmt in london 6am in sydney!

where ever u r, u r listening to BBC world service

[Arun 795]

just found out the ip address for BIG 92.7 fm !! dont know its Domain Name though!!

http://64.26.25.112

The domain is: www.big927fm.com

Judging from the careers page, it looks as the next cities/towns in line for the launch are:

Chandigarh / Rajkot / Baroda / Bhopal / Kanpur / Allahabad / Bhubaneshwar / Guwahati / Mysore / Indore / Goa / Bikaner / Bareily / Hisar

[Puneet 0]

TDSAT rejects Radio One's plea on FM frequency

PTI[ WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18, 2006 01:15:26 PM]

NEW DELHI: Broadcast tribunal TDSAT has rejected Radio One's petition challenging the Government's decision to award the 92.5 MHz frequency with which the channel was synonymous in Mumbai, to Anil Ambani Group-promoted FM channel Radio Big in the national capital.

A Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal Bench headed by Justice Arun Kumar rejected Radio One's petition, which is promoted by media house Mid Day.

Radio One had approached TDSAT seeking a uniform frequency for all its six radio stations across the country, but the Government allotted three different frequencies to it.

However, the Government, instead of allotting the 92.5 MHz frequency to it, had given a new frequency of 94.3 MHz, which the group contended was not fair since the former had become its brand identity in Mumbai.

The FM channel, in which British Broadcaster BBC has around 20 per cent stake, contended that the allocation of new frequency was not fair as it had become a brand in Mumbai, where it is a leading player.

The group also contended that while allotting unified frequency of 94.3 MHz to Radio One to operate in six cities including Mumbai, it suffered commercial loss also as its 92.5 MHz had become synonymous with Radio One just as Radio Mirchi was recognised by 98.3 FM in Delhi.

I guess deck is cleared for launch of BIG 92.7 FM in Mumbai too, but by then I would be tuning in to 94.3.

[linuxguy 0]

But how can they ask it to vacate the 92.5 frequency? Ambani is muscling in now is he? Unfair! Very unfair! They did it on purpose. Why oh why did they have to take 92.7 only?! Why not 97.2? *******!

[abhay 0]

Radio One approaches Supreme Court over frequency allotment

Radio One, the FM venture of media house Mid Day, has approached the Supreme Court challenging a TDSAT order, which had earlier rejected its plea to allot uniform frequency for all its stations across the country.

Radio One has appealed against the TDSAT (Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate) order directing it to give away its 92.5 Mhz slot, originally allotted to it four years ago.

The BBC also has around 20 per cent stake in Radio One. Radio One's contention before the Broadcast Tribunal was that the channel had become synonymous with the frequency 92.5 in Mumbai and allocating a new frequency 94.3 Mhz would hurt its brand identity.

It also challenged the government's decision to allot three different frequencies in six cities such as 94.3 Mhz frequency in five other cities -- Chennai, Delhi, Bangalore, Pune, Kolkata -- while in Ahmedabad, the FM channel was allotted 95 Mhz.

The company argued that the government could change frequencies only on grounds of national security or public interest. However, TDSAT ruled that as per the licence agreement the government was empowered to modify conditions.

During the proceedings of TDSAT, the FM broadcaster also alleged that while allotting the FM frequency the government acted in a mala fide manner and was partial towards Anil Ambani promoted Adlabs.

Adlabs-owned Radio Big has got licences to operate in 45 cities on 92.7 Mhz, under the second phase of Policy on Expansion of FM Radio Broadcasting Services through Private Agency.

http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?NewsID=1060808

[abhay 0]

SC asks Mid-day to make way for ADAG's Big 92.7 FM

The Supreme Court has asked Mid-day to vacate Radio One's 92.5 frequency in Mumbai. This gives Reliance ADAG's Big 92.7 FM the all-clear signal to launch in the city, reports CNBC-TV18.

Mid-day was pitching this as the proverbial battle between David and Goliath! but David seems to have lost.

Radio One has three weeks to move to the 94.3 frequency. Mid-day had moved the Supreme Court last week after the TD SAT ruled it should vacate its four-year old frequency in Mumbai.

The company claimed it had already spent Rs 4 crore on rebranding itself as Radio-One, and did not want to hand over its 9 lakh listenership in the city to new player Reliance.

http://news.moneycontrol.com/india/newsart...p?autono=249352

[prathod 3]

SC asks Mid-day to make way for ADAG's Big 92.7 FM

The Supreme Court has asked Mid-day to vacate Radio One's 92.5 frequency in Mumbai. This gives Reliance ADAG's Big 92.7 FM the all-clear signal to launch in the city, reports CNBC-TV18.

Mid-day was pitching this as the proverbial battle between David and Goliath! but David seems to have lost.

Radio One has three weeks to move to the 94.3 frequency. Mid-day had moved the Supreme Court last week after the TD SAT ruled it should vacate its four-year old frequency in Mumbai.

The company claimed it had already spent Rs 4 crore on rebranding itself as Radio-One, and did not want to hand over its 9 lakh listenership in the city to new player Reliance.

http://news.moneycontrol.com/india/newsart...p?autono=249352

Friends dont you feel its a dadagiri by reliance,92.5 has been for years and the supreme court also favouring reliance is injustice,its like asking a person to move for a rich man.Indirectly it is taking away 92.5's customer also.Dont be surprised if one day Ada demands our colony/buildings for its own gains.

[linuxguy 0]

it is dadagiri but i believe in SC.

[kk999 25]

NOW 92.7 BIG FM IN MUMBAI

GOOD

[petar 15]

yes people are able to hear 92.7 Big FM in mumbai... clarity is super cool.

Officialy its being luanched on 14 November.