(10 June 2006 8:00 pm)

MUMBAI: The enthusiasm for Fifa World Cup is truly at an all time high. Some good news for All India Radio listeners!

AIR has tied-up with the German broadcasting company Deutsche Welle for World Cup programming.

Starting 10 June, AIR will broadcast a Deutsche Welle magazine programme on the World Cup everyday till 10 July at 8:30 pm, directly from Germany.

This magazine will be aired in English and Hindi on 65 radio stations across the country on AIR's national network and in Delhi on the Indraprastha channel at 819 kHz as well as on Air's DTH service, according to an official release.

This World Cup broadcast will is expected to reach as many as 90 per cent of India's population. Deutsche Welle has also announced a contest to lure this segment.

BBC extends deal with AIR on Fifa coverage

More good news is that BBC World Service is extending its live commentary for a further 11 pool matches. BBC had earlier entered into a deal with AIR to broadcast live commentary for the opening match, the semi-finals and the final.

In the statement issued today by AIR, the two have entered into an agreement, whereby BBC will provide live commentary on all matches featuring the soccer biggies – Brazil, Argentina, Germany and England.

A total of 11 pool matches will be relayed over the AIR network comprising 65 primary service stations and 17 rainbow FM channels and Vividh Bharati service (late night matches).

The commentary will be in English, which will be given by BBC Radio Five Allan Green and John Murray.

While, the commentary for the two semi-finals and final matches will be in Hindi and English, as AIR will be sending its own team to Germany to cover these matches live.

The special World Cup reports can be heard daily on All India Radio's FM Gold 106.4 FM and Rajdhani Channel at 07.05 local time everyday until 10 July.

Also Read:
BBC to relay four World Cup matches live on AIR