Big FM open to Gujarati content devt

Big 92.7 FM, a private FM radio station, has expressed its desire to enter into regional content development in Gujarat.

The Reliance ADAG-controlled Adlabs' radio venture will launch in Vadodara, Surat and Rajkot soon and also plans to launch in Ahmedabad later on.

"We are open to opportunities for content developer in regional sector in FM. If the Gujarati content is not as popular as other regional content, then it is upto the Gujarati film and music industry to improve on its content. But we are ready to pitch in for production if any such opportunity arises," said Tarun Katial, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Big 92.7 FM.

However, Katial refused to divulge any information on talks with Gujarati content developers for radio. As of now, the radio channel uses "global content" like Bollywood songs and only presents it in regional flavour.

Katial added that the station has maintained its USP by offering the content with a regional flavour. For instance, its tagline 'Suno Sunao, Life Banao' is also modified into regional languages where it is present.

On its future plans, Katial said that the radio station is aiming at 60 stations by 2008-end. Presently, it has acquired licences for radio stations in 45 cities.

"In phase-II, we are eligible for 10-15 more stations. Hence, we are looking for at least 60 stations by 2008," said Katial.

Big 92.7 FM has also acquired marketing rights to the Delhi-based Century Communications wherein the radio station from the stable of Century will be broadcast in Union Territories like Daman on 92.7 FM, the same frequency as the Big FM.

Meanwhile, it will invest Rs 400 crore on transmission equipment, infrastructure and licensing.

According to Katial, Big FM is focussing on technological advancement by offering facilities of podcasting through its website, and aims to introduce more such services in future.