The Hindu Business Line : BIG 92.7 FM bets big on radio podcasting

Coimbatore, Jan. 1 Are you a passionate listener of radio FM? Do you stay away from parties and other functions just to listen to on-air shows by your favourite radio jockey? This probably would not be necessary henceforth with the anywhere, anytime concept catching up in radio podcast service.

BIG 92.7 FM Chennai has emerged as the first radio station to launch podcast service.

When asked about the need for such a service, the Station Head of BIG 92.7 FM, Mr P.B. Ramaswamy, explained that podcasting is a growing phenomenon which enables a person to create and distribute his or her own series of Internet audio programs or audio blogs. “It is a new form of online media that people can listen to, anywhere, anytime. If users want to get hooked on to the Net to listen to music, watch videos and upload their own content, podcast is the best way to reach them. In case the listeners miss the on-air show, they can select links of the same on BIG 92.7 FM’s podcast.”

Podcasting caters to those who remain always connected to the Net and iPod or any other audio devices, he said.

“There are also those who turn to podcast to listen to hard core fans of any particular group or individual, especially if they had not heard the programme when it was aired.’

Asked how an FM station would be able to leverage on podcasting, he admitted that it was a new phenomenon, albeit a promising one. “There is no boundary for Internet. Anyone seeking information would be able to find it. With user generated content and Web 2.0 gaining popularity, we at BIG 92.7 FM offer personalised content.”

The station is planning to offer the podcast service as a value addition to the client initially. “Once the traffic increases, we will make podcast a revenue generator,” Mr Ramaswamy said.

More Stories on : Radio/TV | Strategy | Convergence

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page