I had been a big fan of Worldspace Radio, when it was around. Loved constant stream of quality genre based music without nagging ad jingles which really take away the pleasure of listening to songs on radio.
However, in its first stint, Worldspace Radio never really took off. Adoption was only in pockets, especially due to the subscription based model and also relatively high initial setting up costs (hardware etc.). You can find excellent article on why Worldspace had to shut down in 2009.
Now, Worldspace is back – According to the press release sent to us – Saregama India and Timbre Media have announced a strategic alliance under which Saregama has acquired a 10% equity stake in Timbre Media and the two parties will partner to provide a high-quality and variety of genre-based radio channels to the Indian market. With this, the Saregama India-Timbre Media alliance brings back the legacy of WORLDSPACE radio.
From the press release it is not very clear as to whether Worldspace will have all genres of music as it had earlier (Jazz, pop etc.). The PR states that it will use Saregama’s library as well as from other popular labels to provide 24-hour stations of Indian music ranging from old hindi films, hindustani classical, Carnatic classical, new hindi music, ghazals and stations in all major Indian languages.
The good aspect about this launch though is that it will be offered in nearly all digital formats unlike previously where you had to buy a separate hardware to enjoy Worldspace music stations. With this alliance in place, Worldspace music will be served in all possible digital formats including Mobile, DTH and the Internet.
This is really music to my ears (literally) – However, everything will depend on the quality of music that this alliance offers to India consumers. If the music played on Worldspace is similar to music played on blaring FM channels, it would not only be counter productive but will also erode loyal Worldspace fan base.
What do you think of this alliance? Do you think we will be lucky enough to get the same kind of quality Worldspace music that we got used to?
Comments
let the world space lure us 24X7 once again.
let the world space lure us 24X7 once again.
Would the earlier subscriptions continue as I still have 3 months pending subscriptions, despite repeated contacts they didn't respond earlier….
The content is back through other delivery modes like mobile and DTH. And not through the receiver we have.
Would the earlier subscriptions continue as I still have 3 months pending subscriptions, despite repeated contacts they didn't respond earlier….
Would the earlier subscriptions continue as I still have 3 months pending subscriptions, despite repeated contacts they didn't respond earlier….
Would the earlier subscriptions continue as I still have 3 months pending subscriptions, despite repeated contacts they didn't respond earlier….
Would the earlier subscriptions continue as I still have 3 months pending subscriptions, despite repeated contacts they didn't respond earlier….
Yay! Something I longed to have back in my life :-)
Check this one -Deepa Ns and Saraswathi Venkataraman
Awesomeness,,,,,
Yay! Something I longed to have back in my life :-)
sir are you going to tied with world space radio..??
i having that from last 6 years..!! i am the biggest fan of it,,!!when it will starts run..??
confrim me on 9791819100
good news . We really miss it
That is music to ears…. On its depart it has left me longing like many music lovers…
i had renuwed the subscription after then the services is terminated . now i hope this is best desision for all fans. please inform me this no.9811083775
the service is back on air
Nice article but I notice that most Indian listeners seem to miss the point of talk radio. For me – Opie and Anthony or Howard Stern are reasons I would listen to satellite radio – in ADDITION to the musical content.
Niche stations like drum and bass, IDM music, etc. really appeal to me since I discover artists even if they are independent while no other medium other than the internet can provide this benefit.
Worldspace always had the potential to provide these benefits to me but never did capitalize on it.
but when we are longing tohear farishta.
I m having BPL worldspace radio since more then five years. Anyone can help how to recharge the same. Pls inform me on tushar1003@indiatimes.com.
when they will actually launch?
One of the nicest part of the satellite radio is having it available 24×7 anywhere. If the new service only offers this via the internet, than I will be a very disappointed customer. I personally love the fact that I can be on a beach and still have radio.
Please don’t discontinue this service – make it also be available via the BPL portable radios.
aakhir intzar ki ghadiya kab khatm hongi.
I am interested to hear SHG (Sai Global Harmony) channel in world space radio as previously (brodcasted before closure) brodcasted. I like to know when it is going to get started again (Date? or tentative date?)
Its already coming in worldspace radio. Maestro in the Capital and SGH is restored in WS as FTA channels as of now. Yuvaraj
miracles can stil happen….. we can wait for good things…..cant v…..
I love if this will come very soon.
Kindly inform when worldspace radio relaunch.
One of the best things of my life is worldspace farishta channel. Hope worldspace will relaunch at the earliest.
We want the only old version/style of world space very soon.We missed member from my family
I am happy to know this when this is going to happen
worldspace is really really good
I had invested Rs.8000/- for WS Radio set. Sab bekaar ho gaya.
WHen is it going to be active again ? Please respond !!!
I am a great fan of worldspaceradio, pleace inform me the subscription details
It is now available on Vodafone, Rs.30 for 300 mins of usage. Enjoy.
I was lured into buying such an expensive set, because the channels were free. Despite this, there were problems receiving the signal indoors (through a tiled roof) during rainy season. But later on they introduced subscription service, which were beyond my pocket.
yaa Good news , I am missing up country and i think at least two free channel are still on air
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