MUMBAI: Radio Netherlands Worldwide (RNW) has taken on a new partnership with Incablenet (IndusInd Media & Communications Ltd. of Hinduja Group), which will allow around two million listeners to listen to the English programmes of RNW.
The international broadcaster is already collaborating with various FM radio stations, and says Incablenet allows the Indian public to access RNW programmes via cable for the first time.
Last year, RNW began establishing partnerships with local FM stations and broadcasting organisations such as Radio Misty to provide the Indian population with information about the Netherlands and Europe.
During the India festival in the Netherlands last year, RNW covered the event together with All India Radio.
The partnership with Incablenet enables RNW to air its English programmes not only on FM, but for the first time via digital cable. Incablenet, headquartered in Mumbai is one of the largest cable MSO (Multi System Operator) companies in India, currently serving over 6.5 million homes.
Says RNW director general Jan Hoek, India is one of the fastest emerging superpowers in the world. Growing trade, historical and new cultural relations with the Netherlands mean that the need for information about Western countries is growing.
Via Incablenet we aim to contribute to fulfilling this need….
According to Incablenet managing director Ravi Mansukhani, We are pleased to distribute RNW in our digital distribution networks in India. The radio industry is estimated to have grown at an impressive CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 19.7 per cent over the year 2006-08 in India. Emergence of radio stations like RNW could also help the industry in attracting new listeners and driving up overall radio listener ship. We wish RNW all the success and a long innings in India after this launch.”