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ZEE Radio - news archive

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

UK radio to go completely digital by 2020
From Biz Asia. Posted June 24 2008, 3.18pm
UK radio services should be migrated on to digital audio broadcasting (DAB) by 2020, according to the Digital Radio Working Group's (DRWG) interim report. The government-backed industry panel recommended the establishment of a timetable for the migration of all UK radio from analogue to digital and said that this should be completed between 2015 and 2020. However, in the medium term, the group recommends migrating all national, regional and large local stations to Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB), with FM continuing to be used by small local and community radio stations. The DRWG does not recommend setting a date for the switchover to digital radio now. Instead, it recommends a timetable for migration is set out, which is dependent on progress against the agreed criteria. The group's initial assessment is that migration could be completed by 2020. Chairman of the DRWG Barry Cox said: "At the end of May this year, sales of DAB sets exceeded seven million. We believe radio must have a digital future and that this will benefit both listeners and industry. Audiences will be able to enjoy increased functionality and more choice of channels, while the industry will no longer have to sustain the increased transmission costs of broadcasting on multiple platforms. "If these benefits are to be achieved, then action must be taken to address the significant challenges which threaten the future growth of the market. There is a great deal to be done to address these issues, and I hope that this interim report will stimulate debate on how to achieve a digital future." The group, set up in November 2007, has been looking at the barriers to the growth of digital radio and the conditions needed to allow digital platforms to become the main means of delivering radio. As part of its work, four sub-groups were set up to consider issues such as the mechanisms for growth, technology, coverage and European harmonisation. Related links: RAJAR: Digital radio listening continues to grow Asian radio industry gives DAB backing 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)

ZEE Radio signs up film critic Taran Adarsh
From Biz Asia. Posted June 13 2008, 11.30am
Leading film critic and journalist Taran Adarsh has exclusively been signed by London’s only Bollywood centric radio station ZEE Radio. The deal means, Adarsh will give listeners exclusive box office news, filmi gossip and trade information straight from the tinsel town to listeners here in the capital. The slot titled 'Box Office Bulletin', starting later this month, will air daily in 2-3 minute capsules on ZEE Radio..Dil Se Bollywood. As well as movie and music reviews, Taran will also look at the box office status from a year ago in a special called “This Time Last Year”. Listeners can also catch Taran’s star interviews featured on his ZEE TV show ‘B Biz’ played back on ZEE Radio’s ‘Bollywood Beatz’ (weekday mornings 09:00) and on ‘Star Struck’ (weekends 13:00). " Station Manager of ZEE Radio, Raj Baddhan said, "Getting such a prominent personality from Mumbai like Taran Adarsh on ZEE Radio reinforces our policy of bringing the best of Bollywood direct from the film capital to our listeners here." ZEE Radio is touted as London’s only all-Bollywood music radio station broadcasting in London on 558AM between 07:00 – 13:00 and 24 hours a day on DAB digital radio. Online streaming starts soon. (more)

BBC Asian Network turns to Bollywood in June
From Biz Asia. Posted May 31 2008, 7.57pm
National digital service, the BBC Asian Network has announced it is turning to Bollywood in June to coincide with the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards. The IIFAs, which are taking place in Thailand from 6th – 8th June starting with 'Breakfast with Jas Rao' on Friday, 'Love Bollywood's' Raj and Pablo will be reporting live from Bangkok. 'Love Bollywood' itself will be coming live from the stars hotel on Saturday and Sunday (09:00 - 12:00) and all the results and gossip from the Awards ceremony will be broadcast at Breakfast time on Monday with Jas Rao. Adil Ray and Gagan Grewal will present their shows from the famous Star City one of the UK’s key Bollywood venues in Birmingham talking to cinemagoers and playing Bollyokey with famous participants singing along to classic Bollywood tracks. During the week from 'Breakfast with Jas Rao' (06:00 - 09:00) through the daytime programmes through to the specialist music programmes like Bobby Friction and Kayper there will be a Bollywood theme with the music and huge personalities reflected in the sound of the station. On Monday 2nd June in the 'Asian Network Report', (19:30) 'Love Bollywood' presenters Raj and Pablo ask whether a British Asian could be the next Shahrukh Khan. The BBC Asian Network looks to be following other channels like ZEE Radio and Club Asia, both of which are now Bollywood centric stations. Related link: EXCLUSIVE: ZEE Radio launch details emerge (more)

Two new shows on ZEE Radio from Monday
From Biz Asia. Posted May 15 2008, 9.23pm
ZEE Network's recently launched radio station ZEE Radio has announced the launch of two new shows, starting on Monday (19th May). The first - an entertainment packed afternoon offering called 'One Two Ka Four' will occupy the 13:00 - 16:00 (Monday to Friday) slot presented by Simi. She will deal with humorous subjects skewed towards a female listener. The show features recipes, beauty, fashion and talk about light-hearted family issues. The second is being described as the UK's first weeknight Asian love show called 'Ishq Vishq Pyar Vyar' presented by Divya. The show will feature love messages, stories and the best of romantic hits from Bollywood. It will air Sunday to Thursday at 23:00. Station Manager for ZEE Radio, Raj Baddhan said, "Since our launch in February, the response to ZEE Radio has been overwhelming. To retain the momentum and to add even more Bollywood flavour to the output, we are launching two new shows - one will be the must listen show during weekday afternoons and the other is what we love about Bollywood - the romantic hits. I'm positive listeners are going to welcome the two new additions and enjoy them like they are doing with the other shows on ZEE Radio." ZEE Radio is available on DAB digital radio 24 hours a day and 07:00 - 13:00 on 558AM in Greater London. (more)

ZEE Radio unveils "glossy looking" website
From Biz Asia. Posted May 8 2008, 4.54pm
ZEE Radio has launched its website today at www.zeeradiouk.com . The website, which currently offers news and information about the station is expected to expand in days to come with it becoming the hub for Bollywood stories and star interviews. Raj Baddhan, station manager for ZEE Radio said, "This is just the start of things to come on ZEE Radio. Our glossy looking website adds to the sound of the station. There is much more online interactivity being added soon too so keep a check out for that." ZEE Radio launched in Greater London on 558AM (07:00 - 13:00) and 24 hours on DAB digital radio in February. It is also expected to begin its live stream online too. In other ZEE Radio news, two new shows are set to launch later this month - 'Ishq Vishq Pyar Vyar' and 'Dhamaal at Do'. More details exclusively on BizAsia.co.uk soon. Related links: Shah Rukh Khan launches ZEE Radio EXCLUSIVE: ZEE Radio launch details emerge ZEE Radio Station Manager appointed EXCLUSIVE: First look of ZEE Radio logo ZEE Radio secures DAB London space EXCLUSIVE: ZEE Radio launch details emerge ZEE Network to launch radio station Sabras Radio to end stint on Spectrum Radio (more)

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)

ZEE Cine Awards coverage on ZEE Radio
From Biz Asia. Posted April 16 2008, 8.39pm
The UK's only all-Bollywood music station ZEE Radio has announced a number of special shows to coincide with this year's ZEE Cine Awards taking place in London, next Saturday (26th April). Fans that have been unsuccessful to purchase tickets for the event will be able to live the experience with ZEE Radio's special show broadcasting on Saturday (26th April) between 19:00 and 23:00. The live show will also be the first to exclusively announce the winners as they are unveiled at the venue - Excel Docklands Arena. Listeners, who miss out on the live special, will be able to listen back to highlights on two other shows: Red Carpet Highlights - Monday 28th April at 09:00 (60 minutes) Main Event Highlights - Tuesday 29th April at 09:00 (60 minutes) Furthermore, since the start of April, ZEE Radio has aired a weekly Nominations Special in the format below: First show: Saturday 5th April - 'Debut Special' - discuss the Most Promising - Director, Actor, Actress and Child Artist. The Most Promising Director award is new this year. Second show: Saturday 12th April - 'Music Special' - discuss the following categories - 'Best Music', 'Best Lyrics' , ' Best Playback Singer - Male / Female', 'Most Popular Track of the Year'. Third show: Saturday 19th April - 'Support Stars Special' - 'Best Actor In A Comic Role' , 'Best Actor In A Negative Role', Best Actor In Supporting Role - Male / Female' . Fourth show: Saturday 26th April - 'Final Special' - 'Best Actor' , 'Best Actress' , 'Best Film' and 'Best Director'. The Nominations Specials are being aired every Saturday at 15:00. ZEE Radio, a part of the ZEE Network, is available on 558AM (07:00 - 13:00), on DAB digital radio 24 hours a day in Greater London and soon online. Related links: EXCLUSIVE: ZEE Cine Awards return to London Shah Rukh Khan launches ZEE Radio (more)

In pictures: ZEE Carnival & ZEE Radio special
From Biz Asia. Posted February 25 2008, 9.12pm
The three-day sold out ZEE Carnival took place between Friday 15th February and 17th February at the London Olympia. Relive the memories by navigating the pictures below. (more)

Zee Radio launches in style
From Radio Today. Posted February 21 2008, 2.30am
Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan has launched the UK's first Bollywood centric station. ZEE Radio started broadcasting on Sunday via DAB Digital Radio. (more)

Shah Rukh Khan launches ZEE Radio
From Biz Asia. Posted February 16 2008, 11.14pm
ZEE Radio has officially been launched today by Bollywood king Shah Rukh Khan. (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)

Zee Radio appoints manager
From Radio Today. Posted February 8 2008, 12.51am
Raj Baddhan from Sabras Radio in the midlands has been appointed as station manager for the soon-to-launch ZEE Radio. Zee will start broadcasting online, on DAB in London and on satellite later this month. (more)

ZEE Radio Station Manager appointed
From Biz Asia. Posted February 7 2008, 9.03pm
The hotly anticipated project ZEE Radio has announced it has appointed BizAsia.co.uk’s Founder Raj Baddhan as its Station Manager. (more)

EXCLUSIVE: First look of ZEE Radio logo
From Biz Asia. Posted January 30 2008, 11.00pm
In yet another scoop for BizAsia.co.uk, we bring you the first look of the ZEE Radio logo. The much awaited ZEE Radio launches in February. Keep it with BizAsia.co.uk for the exclusive launch details. As already revealed, ZEE Radio will be available on 558AM, DAB digital radio and online. Related links: ZEE Radio secures DAB London space EXCLUSIVE: ZEE Radio launch details emerge ZEE Network to launch radio station Sabras Radio to end stint on Spectrum Radio (more)

ZEE Radio begins audio testing in London
From Biz Asia. Posted January 16 2008, 9.51pm
ZEE Network's soon-to-launch radio station ZEE Radio has commenced audio testing on various platforms in London. As revealed exclusively on BizAsia.co.uk last year, ZEE Radio will be available on DAB digital radio in London, on Sky Digital and selected time bands on Spectrum Radio. ZEE Radio's label has been secured on DAB digital radio. BizAsia.co.uk readers have found a display stating "Station Is Off Air" under the ZEE Radio channel in London. Some readers also noticed some audio output testing on Spectrum Radio on 558 AM (London) on Monday (14th January). ZEE Radio will be the first Asian TV broadcaster to launch a radio service. It is expected to perform initial tests from early-February ahead of its much anticipated official launch. Related links: ZEE Radio secures DAB London space EXCLUSIVE: ZEE Radio launch details emerge ZEE Network to launch radio station Sabras Radio to end stint on Spectrum Radio (more)

ZEE Radio secures DAB London space
From Biz Asia. Posted September 28 2007, 1.52pm
ZEE Network's upcoming project ZEE Radio has secured space on DAB London multiplex 2. This means, when the station launches in the next few weeks, it will be available on DAB digital radio at launch in the Greater London region. It will replace a Traffic and Travel format radio station. As revealed on BizAsia.co.uk earlier, ZEE Radio will also be available on Sky Digital. There are also talks ongoing with Spectrum Radio for certain amount of hours of ZEE Radio’s output to relay on 558AM. Related links: EXCLUSIVE: ZEE Radio launch details emerge ZEE Network to launch radio station Sabras Radio to end stint on Spectrum Radio (more)

EXCLUSIVE: ZEE Radio launch details emerge
From Biz Asia. Posted August 31 2007, 8.51pm
BizAsia.co.uk exclusively revealed the launch plans for ZEE Network's first radio station earlier this year. Even though ZEE officials are still remaining tightlipped on the imminent launch, we can now exclusively confirm that ZEE Radio will be available on Sky Digital. Media regulator Ofcom has issued a 'Radio Licensable Content Service' licence to ZEE Network to broadcast its station on the UK satellite platform. According to sources close to BizAsia.co.uk, ZEE Radio is also in final negotiations to clinch a deal with Spectrum Radio. This will result in ZEE Radio relaying its programmes on analogue via 558AM in Greater London for a selected number of hours. It’s a known fact that Leicester based Sabras Radio will be going off Spectrum Radio, however a question mark hangs over on whether or not ZEE Radio will be taking over Sabras' five hours per day slot or some other. There is also speculation, ZEE Radio will be launching on a local London digital radio multiplex. We will bring you full ZEE Radio launch details on BizAsia.co.uk first. Related links: ZEE Network to launch radio station Sabras Radio to end stint on Spectrum Radio (more)

Sabras Radio to end stint on Spectrum Radio
From Biz Asia. Posted June 21 2007, 11.19pm
The Midlands renowned Asian station Sabras Radio has decided to end its broadcast in London via Spectrum Radio's 558AM frequency. Sabras Radio has been simulcasting its Midlands feed to London since July 2005. While the response has been encouraging to the six hours a day it broadcast, the station felt the "trial" was long enough and was looking at pursuing other exciting options. Sabras Radio will cease broadcasting on Spectrum Radio on Saturday 30th June at midday. Programmes will continue as normal on 1260AM throughout the Midlands. In July 2005, Sabras Radio had replaced ARY Digital's radio station. The question now mounts as to what will replace Sabras Radio in the morning slot of Spectrum Radio. With two Asian radio stations already have had used that slot, will this make way for a third? When we contacted Spectrum Radio, they refused to comment on the replacement. Rumours have been rife that the much talked about ZEE Radio will go live shortly with a few hours of airtime on 558AM (the former Sabras Radio slot) and the rest on DAB digital radio in London. ZEE Network UK is keeping tightlipped about the launch of ZEE Radio, remember BizAsia.co.uk broke the news exclusively first earlier this year. Spectrum Radio is the country's only ethnic commercial radio station, serving in excess of 20 different communities. Last year, media regulator Ofcom had rejected Spectrum Radio's proposal of increasing the number of hours it dedicates to Asian programming. Related links: EXCLUSIVE: ZEE Network to launch radio station Ofcom reject's Spectrum Radio's Asian output plea (more)