About Us - Leadership Message


Tarun Katial: Chief Executive Officer, RBN

Dear Friends,

British adventurer, writer and television presenter Edward Grylls once said, “There is little faith involved in setting out on a journey where the destination is certain and every step in between has been mapped in detail. Bravery, trust, is about leaving camp when we do not know the route ahead…!” In early 2006, we left camp and set out to launch 92.7 BIG FM with a mission to reach, engage and enrich the lives of India’s vast populace. Our journey has been packed with many moments of adventure and discovery ever since!

At seven, we are India’s only multi-media organisation to have transformed from an FM business into one with a strong presence across television, intellectual property, and television production. We are equipped with the potential to turn into a truly global multi-media brand and stand committed to being true to our consumers, our clients and the industry in which we operate.

Though we value the power of time, we realise the importance of being patient and in waiting for the right moment to make investments that count and help us grow. We are here to create a strong, secure and profitable business with you by our side. As I look back at the year that has gone by, I am filled with pride when I think about what we’ve achieved and a sense of excitement looking at the opportunities that await us.

2012 has been a significant year for us in many ways. We’ve experienced impressive growth at both ends of the spectrum in the television and radio business. The first phase of digitization is over, changing the way the Indian broadcast environment functions. As distribution led advantages collapse and ratings begin to reflect true audience preferences and tastes, content will truly emerge as ‘king’. Our channels are getting very close to breakeven and we believe this is the right time to be in the regional space. We look forward to expanding our network and portfolio of television channels to monetize untapped market segments and offer new and high quality innovative content.

Though the television business is about 18 months old, we’re entertaining Indian viewers with a fantastic array of specially created regional offerings, we are also making inroads into the global market with channels like BIG MAGIC International. Our recently launched Bhojpuri channel is reaching 77 towns across Bihar and Jharkhand. BIG RTL THRILL is delighting viewers with ‘edge of the seat’ entertainment with handpicked reality shows, action series, wrestling, extreme sports, game shows and movies from across the world.

Our radio network 92.7 BIG FM is a leading national FM network which continues to dominate key markets across India. Other than being the quickest to become profitable, the latest round of IRS has placed 92.7 BIG FM as No.1 FM broadcasting radio station in the key Hindi speaking markets of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab and New Delhi. The business also achieved the highest ever numbers in a quarter since the inception of the brand.

Our growth has helped with 92.7 BIG FM becoming more visible with better top-of-mind awareness among advertisers, providing them the best possible option to reach out to their relevant audiences. We continue to attract over 1000 of the biggest advertisers each month.

92.7 BIG FM was the first private Indian FM station to hit upon the idea of running local-language programs on topics with local flavour. We’re proud that today this ability to offer localized content has proved to be a case study in garnering loyal audiences.

While audience ownership is its biggest reward, 92.7 BIG FM has also been honoured with both national and international recognitions by the radio fraternity viz. maximum awards at the prestigious New York Festival, two years in a row and the Golden Mikes Award for the 2nd year in a row!

The radio industry will now be able to actually carve out a niche for itself and start competing with regional television, regional print and national television with all its might. Phase III and the change in regulations will allow the industry to operate more freely and serve customers better, unleashing the true potential of radio.

Helping us transform our business into a more holistic multi-media entity, BIG Productions continues to function as a leading television content production house. It has created over 700 hours of content in a short span of eighteen months since its launch.

Though the year might prove to be challenging for markets around the world, I believe we will continue to create ever-growing value for you and everyone associated with RBN while driving profitable growth.

RBN is continuing to transform itself into an all-inclusive multi-media conglomerate believing we have what it takes to become the best in the world. I thank you for your unwavering belief in this dream and hope to have you by our side in the exciting journey ahead!

Tarun Katial

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