New Delhi, Association of Radio Operators for India (AROI), countrys only industry body of private FM Radio players today organized Vision - 2010. The event commemorated Broadcasters Day - the day when Mahatma Gandhi gave his first and only radio address to the nation on Nov 12th 1947. Sh. Raghu Menon, Secretary,  Minister of Information & Broadcasting graced the occasion along with senior officials from the ministry, media and the industry. As part of the programme Vision - 2010, AROI held a day-long conference and exhibition, creating an effective platform for dialogue between the ministry & the industry. Vision-2010 also showcased new and cost effective technologies for benefit of existing and prospective players. Vision - 2010 also celebrated achievements of the industry and focused on an in-depth dialogue to discuss the future of the Indian FM industry. Year 2010 is expected to be a landmark for FM radio expansion in India in anticipation of further liberalization under phase III of the FM policy. The conference was attended by over 300 International & National delegates.

Commenting on the same, Ms. Apurva Purohit, President, AROI, said The Indian FM industry has come a long-way in the short life-span of over 8 years. The Industry has faced multiple challenges and crisis but has managed to create a large space for itself amongst mass audiences and listeners

Ms. Apurva Purohit, President, AROI further added, FM industry through AROI has been lobbying hard with the government to ensure that some relief is given to the industry, whether it is in extending the license period from 10 to 15 years, ensuring that the license fee is paid on net and not gross revenue or in getting DAVP empanelment. Similarly, AROI is determined in pursuing its demands for the phase - III policy implementation, in terms of allowing news and current affairs or increased FDI or multiple frequencies. Todays conference has been an appropriate platform to highlight the issues, concerns and opportunities for the upcoming phase. We have been very successful in achieving our aim to build a collective vision for the FM industry for year 2010, to be realized with concerted efforts of all the stakeholders of Radio industry.

Major highlights discussed during the conference:

v Radio has 98 % of reach but the impact of the radio is very low because of stringent government policies.

v FM industry is in urgent need of Policy change. New regulations should come in terms of News, FDI and Multiple ownership

v Between music and radio industry, government has to play a role of a facilitator.

v Upcoming Phase III, allowing news and current affairs on Private FM channels which will not only serve as a differentiator in terms of programming but will also help in getting new category advertisers on board.

The day long conference was divided into the following sessions:

v How have policy changes helped other media grow and can the same happen for Radio-, Mr. Pawan Aggarwal, Director, Dainik Bhaskar group, Mr. Anil Mehra, Executive Director, India Today group, Mr. Rajesh Sawhney, President reliance entertainment Ltd., Ms. Anurradha Prasad, Chairman & MD, B.A.G Infotainment Ltd. and Ms. Vanita Kohli Khandekar, Media Expert.

v How Radio can help Social development chaired by Ms. Angela Walker, Chief of communication, UNICEF

v Radio in small towns chaired by Mr Uday Kumar Verma , MIB ,Mr. Tarun Katial, CEO, Adlabs/ Big FM, Mr. George Sebastian, COO, Mathrubhumi, Club FM, Mr. Rahul Gupta, Director, radio Mantra, Mr. Nishant Mittal, CEO, Radio Mistry, Ms. Monica Nayyar, Director, eastern Media ltd/ Radio Chokolate and Ms. Nisha Narayanan, GM Corporate, South Asia FM/ S FM

v Alternate formats in Radio chaired by Mr. Prashant Pandey, Exec. Director, ENIL/ Radio Mirchi, Mr. Harrish Bhatia, COO, Synergy Media/ My FM, Mr. Vineet Singh, MD, Radio One, Mr. Atul Wassan, Cricketer/ Commentator, Mr. Jasdev Singh, Sports Commentator,and Mr. Pankaj Pachauri, Managing Editor, NDTV

v Beyond Music chaired by Mr. Paul Chantler, Senior Partner, United Radio

v New Technologies and cost effective solutions chaired by Mr. Jishun Mei, GM, Harris, Mr. Kirk Harnack, Executive Director, Telos, Mr. Daniel Braverman, Radio Systems and Mr. Dale Harvey, Eddystone

v CTI issues: Roadmap for future chaired by Mr. Harkesh Gupta, Chairman & MD, BECIL, Mr. IS Mehla, Director (O&M), BECIL and Mr. Ashok Narayan, MD, Hyteck communications and Broadcast

Notes to Editor

About AROI

Association of Radio Operators for India (AROI) is a registered non profit, non governmental society dedicated to protect the collective interests of Radio Broadcasters in the country. AROI acts as a central organisation for Radio broadcasters in India and thus, represent the Radio Industry to The Government of India, local and public authorities, trade societies, chambers of trade and commerce in India.

AROI is supported by all the leading Radio broadcasters in the country. To name a few, MBPL (Radio City), HT Music and Entertainment Co. Ltd. (Fever 104); Adlabs Films Ltd. (Big FM); Entertainment Network (India) Ltd. (Radio Mirchi); Ananda Offset Private Ltd (FRIENDS 91.9); Radio Today Broadcasting Ltd. (RADIO MEAAOW).