Radio One will no longer air content from BBC World Service

Radio One, a joint venture between Mid-Day Multimedia and BBC Worldwide, will no longer air entertainment capsules produced by BBC World Service. The radio station had been doing so for the last three years. BBC World Service is a different company from BBC Worldwide, and produces content for multiple platforms including digital, radio and cable channels in several markets.

The decision to enter into a content arrangement came into place to help provide a platform for BBC World Service, as it did not have any FM affiliation in India. Hence, Radio One has been airing and promoting shows produced by BBC World Service and has even co-produced shows for the station, across seven markets where the station is present.

BBC World Service is now supplying content to Hello FM in Chennai and is also expected to soon sign deals with other players in the metros.

Emphasizing that this move does not change the joint venture agreement between the two parties, Vineet Singh Hukmani, managing director, Radio One 94.3 FM, says, "We continue to be a joint venture company with BBC Worldwide and will help the BBC brand in any manner, where they may need support in India. We look forward to the day when news opens up on private FM. Radio One and BBC Worldwide will play a crucial role together in the news space."

With this, Hukmani believes that Radio One will be able to monetize the extra airtime and also consolidate its brand promise of Maximum Music Fataafat -- the promise to play 13 songs per hour.

"It is a win-win for both. As the programmes are already popular, BBC World Service will be able to monetize better and we can use up the time inventory in meeting our revenue objectives as well as keep our promise to listeners," he explains.