Sahara to launch radio network from October 10  ( September '28,2004, BS)

Sahara Manoranjan is all set to launch its radio network that will be heard across the world. The move follows its purchase of four channels on the WorldSpace Satellite Network. To begin with, the radio channel will air Hindi film songs and programmes.

Meanwhile, the Sahara Manoranjan TV channel will be called SaharaOne from October 10.

Satish Menon, president, sales, marketing and distribution of Sahara Manoranjan, said that the project cost of SaharaOne radio services is estimated to be around Rs 1,500 crore which will be invested over a period of three years.

“The WorldSpace satellite network is gaining ground globally and a couple of radio receiver set manufacturers of the country have even begun manufacturing compatible radio sets. We aim to provide a whole range of radio services through the endeavour,” he said.

With a potential of millions of radio audience across different demographies, India presents one of the greatest opportunities for the satellite radio market. SaharaOne Radio will play the leading role in spurring growth in a hitherto untapped market.

Added Menon, “We are confident that SaharaOne will be the future of media entertainment in India. Today, we have the unique opportunity to offer entertainment concepts across different avenues on a scale and magnitude never before seen in the Indian entertainment industry.”

SaharaOne will be the umbrella brand across four major businesses of motion pictures, radio, television and special projects, he added.

Commenting on the movie production front, Menon stated that while 10 to 15 movies produced or jointly produced by Sahara Manoranjan have already been released, about 40 more are in the post-production stage.

“The plan over the next three years or so is to produce 250 movies, with about 40 movies this calendar year,” Menon stated.