(27 April 2009 11:20 pm)

MUMBAI: Radio Netherlands Worldwide (RNW) has joined hands with the Hinduja Group’s cable network Incablenet to expand its reach in India.

The deal will allow around two million Indian listeners, as claimed by Incablenet, to listen to the English programmes of RNW.

The international broadcaster said that it is already collaborating with various FM radio stations, and Incablenet will allow the Indian public to access RNW programmes via cable for the first time.

The partnership with Incablenet will enable RNW to air its English programmes not only on FM, but via digital cable also.

RNW director general Jan Hoek says, “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.”

Adds Incablenet MD 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."

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. And during the India festival in the Netherlands last year, RNW covered the event together with pubcaster All India Radio (AIR).