Media UK

Asian FX - news archive

This is an archive of news about Asian FX. Some links may no longer work, due to the transient nature of the internet.

RAJAR: Digital radio listening continues to grow
From Biz Asia. Posted May 1 2008, 4.48pm
Figures released by RAJAR today reveal that digital radio listening continues to grow. However, the radio audience measuring body has reported that 80% of digital listening is to stations already available on analogue. Nearly a third of the population - 31.4% - now listen to digital radio at least once a week, with digital audio broadcasting (DAB) radio accounting for the lion's share of listening. Only 21.4% of listening is to digital-only stations such as Asian FX, ZEE Radio, BBC 6Music and BBC 7. There was also an increase in DAB set ownership with 27.3% of adults claiming to own a DAB receiver. This is a 40% increase year on year (19.5% in Q1, 2007) and a rise on Quarter 4, 2007 of 22%. Radio listening via a digital platform continues to grow steadily. Data collected for quarter ending March 2008 reveals that 17.8% of all radio listening is now via a digital platform, of which: -10.8% is via DAB -3.2% is via DTV and -2.1% is via the Internet Listening via mobile phone was also up, from 8% at the end of last year to 11.6% in the first quarter of 2008. Updated: 17:30 Related link: RAJAR:Results: Asian Network topples Sunrise (more)

Asian radio industry gives DAB backing
From Biz Asia. Posted February 12 2008, 10.25pm
DAB radio IS the future, say key players in the UK Asian radio sector. The industry is already split over DAB. Is it the cornerstone of the future of digital radio, or is it a hugely expensive white elephant that has already been overtaken by rival delivery platforms such as the web? Earlier this week, GCap Media announced it is to pull back from digital radio to help double profits as part of an overhaul which will see digital radio brands such as theJazz and Planet Rock close down (it has already closed down Core, Life and Disney). BizAsia.co.uk has spoken to the key figures of Asian radio industry who all unanimously supported DAB. Jenny Abramsky, Director, BBC Audio & Music "The BBC has been at the forefront of digital radio for more than ten years and remains fully committed to DAB and the other digital delivery platforms. There's an exciting future for radio. It is central to the lives of huge numbers of people who listen every week. "Recent RAJAR listening figures show that nearly 5.6 million people tune into BBC Radio via DAB each week and the BBC's digital-only networks continue to grow, with two networks – 6 Music and BBC 7 – recently posting record listening figures." Raj Baddhan, Station Manager, ZEE Radio “As a new player in the UK Asian DAB market, we are positive our carefully sifted programming will attract new listeners to digital radio. Programming, packaging and the marketing of the station are factors that can determine the popularity of one station; we aim to deliver on all three. Watch this space." John Ogden, Director, Club Asia "This is a very difficult time for Commercial stations who have been heavily exposed in DAB. Many groups pursued a "land grab" when DAB was launched. They are now realising that the costs of maintaining present simulcast services are largely unsustainable. "However, Commercial Radio is questioning the viability of DAB just as interest among retailers, manufacturers and listeners has never been higher. 23% of homes have DAB digital radio and 30% of homes are listening to radio on a digital platform. However, those listeners clearly demand more than a simulcast of what's already available on their old AM or FM frequencies. We remain excited about our role in the new Channel 4 led multiplex. It is clear to us at Club Asia that DAB has a role in a fast converging UK media industry. DAB is part of a bouquet of opportunities offered to listeners in the future. Listening via the internet and mobile technology will complete the picture. The key is providing new and exciting services that listeners can't get elsewhere" Surjit Singh Ghuman, Director, Asian FX and Panjab Radio "Panjab Radio has proved itself as a leading brand on digital radio with its niche programming. Once again we’re doing the same with Asian FX by offering an entity, which is individual but also something, which listeners have shown interest in. I’m hoping we can turn around the negative press DAB has been receiving of late by shaking up the market with our Asian FX, just like we did with Panjab Radio." Sunrise Radio, which is launching nationally on DAB early next-year refused to provide us with a quote on their plans. Related links: RAJAR Results: Record high listeners for DAB EXCLUSIVE: ZEE Radio launch details emerge Asian FX confirmed for West Midlands DAB launch Two new radio stations launch on Midlands DAB Club Asia to offer podcasts via 4 Digital Group Sunrise Radio to go national after new licence win BBC Asian Network to launch two free podcasts (more)

Asian FX confirmed for West Midlands DAB launch
From Biz Asia. Posted November 1 2007, 2.27pm
Asian FX has been confirmed as the new name for a 24-hour hit digital music radio station in the West Midlands. (more)