Radios will turn jams sweet

Radios will turn jams sweet
Wednesday April 16 2008 10:13 IST

Bosky Khanna
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BANGALORE: The 40-km drive to Bengaluru International Airport (BIA) could take about two hours -- or even more depending on the traffic.

During this two-hour commute, flights could get delayed, cancelled or rescheduled and passengers could well be unaware of it.

But the tie-upwith private airlines and radio stations promises to change this. Radio stations will soon not only provide entertainment to passengers but will also give them flight updates.

Many private FM radio stations offering this have mooted the idea of tying up with private airlines to disseminate information regarding flight schedules.

Normally, radio frequencies can reach listeners up to 25-40 km from its tower without any barrier. Devanahalli airport is located around 37 km away from the City centre and the frequency is very clear.

This means, entertainment is assured until one reaches the airport despite being caught in traffic jams.

The reason for this clear audibility is the geographic location of BIA, which is at an elevated platform, 20 km before Nandi Hills. Additionally, there are no mobile phone towers to obstruct radio frequencies.

The aerial distance of radio stations' towers is also within 40 km, thus clear audibility is ensured, said Radio Indigo National Programming Director Geoffrey G Thomas.

He also said that talks were underway with private airlines for airing information about flight delays, cancellations and rescheduling to listeners.

All India Radio Director S S Hiremath said that they too were keen on tying up with independent airlines, similar to their tie-ups with South Western Railways and Traffic Police.

“To ensure clear frequency, we also want to set up a Masc (frequency transmitting waves' phones) on Nandi Hills. This will ensure better services and entertainment to listeners and passengers. Talks in this direction are also under way.”

Radio service providers also say that this way the importance of radio will increase and many stations are looking at this as a challenge and opportunity to attract new listeners.

Speaking to this wesite’s newspaper, a senior Air Deccan official said: “Rescheduling and cancellation of flights would cause inconvenience to passengers. Thus if they were informed well in advance of the flight timings through radio, commuting would be convenient.

Airline officials added that such additional services would increase their credibility and, in turn, their business.