Radio Mirchi expands arms

Tuesday, April 18, 2006

New Delhi (UNI): Entertainment Network (India) Limited, India's first radio broadcasting company to go public and be listed on the BSE and NSE, today announced its launch of new FM radio stations in Jaipur and Bangalore under the popular brand name 'Radio Mirchi'. Radio Mirchi 105 FM (Jaipur) and Radio Mirchi 93.3 FM (Bangalore) have thus become the first private FM radio stations under the Phase II of radio privatisation. In the Phase II, 250 frequencies across 90 cities were successfully auctioned during January-February. ENIL had won 25 licences in addition to the 7 stations it already operates.

ENIL MD and CEO A P Parigi said ENIL had established a landmark by launching radio stations barely two months after the completion of the bidding process. ''This was due to the meticulous planning and speedy implementation by the team at Radio Mirchi,'' he said, adding that it would not have been possible without a pro-active Information and Broadcasting Ministry and other agencies like the Wireless Planning Cell that put various regulations on a fast track and made the launch of radio stations a glitch-free exercise. Under Phase II of FM Radio, radio stations are allowed to commence broadcasting by way of interim transmission facilities in Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Jaipur.

ENIL operates nine radio stations in Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Indore, Ahmedabad, Pune and Jaipur. Radio Mirchi is acknowledged to be the leader among the private FM Radio broadcasters in terms of revenue and listenership.