“Company culture matters most to employees”
Sagorika Kantharia, Chief People Officer, Radio City talks about creating the right work culture and recognising talent
The recent Great Places to Work - Economic Times study has recognised Radio City as one of the best places to work. Radio City ranks among the Top 10 Companies in Rewards and Recognition. It stands tall amongst few eminent organisations across verticals with Radio City being the only media company in this category. It is also at 12th position amongst the Top 50 Companies with up to 1000 Employees.
In conversation with exchange4media, Sagorika Kantharia, Chief People Officer, Radio City speaks about creating the right work culture, motivating employees and recognising talent, among other things…
For some time now, Radio City has been nominated high amongst the best places to work. What, according to you, are the attributes that have led to this recognition?
The freedom at work which Radio City provides its employees and the opportunity to excel in their work each day makes Radio City the best place to work. Recognising hard work and efforts of employees is a very important part of Radio City’s culture. The company takes keen interest in grooming its talent to the next level through various training programmes and developmental projects designed to sharpen their strategic and execution skill. Forty percent of the senior to middle level hiring every year is through internal resources talks about challenges and opportunities provided by Radio City to its employees. Radio City employees are provided with a vibrant and happy workplace with lots of opportunities to learn and grow.
Unlike other radio stations, you don’t have a media network in a manner of speaking. What is the significance of creating the right work culture?
In today’s scenario, the culture of the company matters the most to an employee. Every organisation, whether big or small, has to think about the employees. The culture at Radio City is fun, motivating and conducive to excel for the employees. A fun, open, energetic and creative environment can make a big difference in the productivity of an employee. A dull and lack-luster atmosphere will definitely pull down the productivity.
In times of pressure and things beyond the company’s control, what are certain measures you take to keep the mood optimistic at Radio City?
At times when the pressure really builds up, it is important that the leaders in the organisation maintain calm and focus on their business goals. During such times our organisation encourages employees to think out-of-the-box to achieve their goals. Dashboards and brainstorming sessions are weekly affairs at Radio City. It encourages clear communications, understanding gaps and discussions on way forward. Many creative solutions come up in these meeting when different functions sit together and brainstorm. Radio City steps up the development initiatives during such times and encourages employees to work on Greenfield projects. One such example is launch of Radio City School of Broadcasting. This was an initiative started by employees during 2008-09 in a slow down phase and today it is a great success.
Please explain, in brief, steps Radio City has taken to create this work culture?
Culture cannot be created overnight and it requires hard work and a firm belief. The process of creating a great workplace started for us when Radio City’s CEO articulated this vision six to seven years ago. As a first step we worked on getting the right talent on board who would fit in the ‘Radio City Attitude’. Today we have quite a few of our Programming Heads, Regional Sales Heads and Market Heads who joined us some years back as RJ and at KAM level. In fact all the Functional Heads have stepped into the shoes of their predecessors and have handled the role well.
Building transparency and trust into the system was the next step. At Radio City, we identify unique strengths of the employees and utilise the same in the best possible way. We make additional effort to understand the employee’s career aspiration and provide him/her an opportunity to fulfill their dreams. At the end of the day the employees should enjoy their work and be proud to be associated with Radio City.
To establish mutual respect between employees and management, among peers and between various functions, the value each one of them brings to the table, various recognition initiatives were designed. One of them is ‘Cheers to Peers’, where employees are encouraged to appreciate their peers’ effort. Other initiatives include ‘Star of the Month’, ‘Sher of the Month’, Special Programming Incentives, Special Bonus and Eureka – Driving Excellence Awards. Such initiatives ensure that the employees feel their efforts are recognised and respected by the organisation.
In short, the work culture at Radio City is transparent, supportive and performance-driven.
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May Ameen Sayani's journey into eternity be as harmonious as the melodies he gifted us
Nisha Narayanan, Director and COO, Red FM and Magic FM, pays tribute to Ameen Sayani and the rich legacy he leaves behind
Ameen Sayani, the man who composed a masterpiece that surpassed eras, is a maestro who painted emotions with every spoken word and touched the very soul of our nation. I extend my deepest condolences to the legendary radio presenter behind the timeless 'Binaca Geetmala.'
His 'Jee haan bhaiyoo aur behnoo, main hoon apka dost Ameen Sayani aur aap sunn rahein hain Binaca Geetmala!' has been a cultural phenomenon, in the age when silence become visible over the airwaves, becoming an ideal for music enthusiasts. His contributions to the Radio industry united people through the universal language of music. The 30-minute program flourished into a cultural force that evolved through various names yet maintaining its essence.
As we bid farewell to this maestro, we honour the man whose voice became synonymous with an era. Ameen Sayani's legacy lives on in the hearts of those who sang his tunes. May his journey into eternity be as harmonious as the melodies he gifted us. Rest in peace, Ameen Sayani. Your voice will forever echo in the corridors of our radio memories.
ShareAmeen Sayani preferred to be on Radio than on TV: Shashi Sinha
Shashi Sinha, CEO of IPG Mediabrands, India, who had worked with Ameen Sayani for over six years on ‘Binaca Geetmala’, shares his memories of the iconic radio presenter
I was shocked and heartbroken to learn that Ameen Sayani, the iconic radio personality, is no more. Still not able to believe that he is gone, especially since only a week ago his son Rajil met me at the MCA to discuss his autobiography.
Rajil wanted me to share the memories of those years while we worked together. It was 1986-87 and I was working at Ulka. All India Radio wanted me to work with Ameen ji as producer of the popular show Binaca Geetmala. Binaca (later Cibaca) was our client.
Nitin Karkare was an account executive at that time and I was the group manager. The show was already quite successful and hence we were excited to work on the show. This partnership continued for six long years during which I became close to Ameen. He was a man of principles with a golden heart, a rare combination even now.
That was the time when television became quite popular in India. TV offered better ad revenue than Radio. I suggested to him that we should take ‘Binaca Geetmala’ to Television. He was not convinced even after much persuasion.
When I asked why he was so against the idea of going on TV, he told me with a smile, “Shashi, I am a man of principles. I don’t chase money. Let's keep the mystique of my voice on the radio only. Besides, my teeth are not so good, so I would not look good on screen.”
He could have the first mover advantage by switching to TV, but he refused to do so. Though he came on TV after many years.
Ameen Sayani: The recipient of the e4m Golden Mikes Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017
In 2014, Ameen Sayani was the Chief Guest at e4m Golden Mikes
Iconic radio host Ameen Sayani, who passed away on Tuesday night, was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the e4m Golden Mikes 2017 edition.
At the event he shared his appreciation for the young radio jockeys and their works.
He also reminisced his days when it all began.
During the event, Ameen Sayani dedicated his popularity to the evergreen songs produced by the Hindi film industry.
Sharing his experiences as the host of Geetmala, Sayani said that over 65,000 letters would pour in every week.
As his advice to the younger presenters, Sayani said, “Use radio as a thing of the heart.”
Watch him speak at the 2014 and 2017 editions of e4m Golden Mikes:
Radio icon Ameen Sayani no more
Ameen Sayani gained immense fame as a host in Hindi with the popular radio show 'Geetmala'
Iconic radio presenter Ameen Sayani is no more. He was 91.
As per media reports, Ameen Sayani passed away on Tuesday night after suffering from a heart failure.
Sayani started his career as an English broadcaster but gained immense popularity as a host in Hindi with the popular show 'Geetmala'. He was known for generations for his distinguished voice and style as a presenter.
He even had a signature style of saying 'Bhaiyo or Behno'.
Geetmala shot to fame in 1952 and was aired for decades till 1994. Sayani would offer his insights into the songs during the programme. The show was also revived briefly in the early 2000s.
In an interview with e4m in 2003, Sayani spoke about the evolution of listnership, the impact of western influences on Indian tunes and more. On Geetmala he said: "As years progressed, Geetmala gained in credibility and became so reliable that HMV would ask us for an advance list so that they could keep pressing those numbers, and not land in a situation where records were sold out. In the later years, as the programme gained in popularity, we wanted to air it on Vividh Bharati too, but the station wasn’t ready to accept the programme with the same name. It took on the programme only after we changed the name to ‘Cibaca Sangeetmala.’ So it was telecast on two stations, as ‘Cibaca Geetmala’ on Radio Ceylon, and as ‘Cibaca Sangeetmala’ on Vividh Bharati. After the show was discontinued on Radio Ceylon, it was telecast as ‘Cibaca Geetmala’ on Vividh Bharati."
Tributes for the iconic voice and presenter have been pouring in on social media.
One of the greatest radio presenters, Ameen Sayani has passed away.
— Akashvani आकाशवाणी (@AkashvaniAIR) February 21, 2024
He was the iconic presenter of the popular radio show “Binaca Geet Mala”.#RIP #AmeenSayani @MIB_India @prasarbharati @airnewsalerts pic.twitter.com/S0aO4L5a1M
More sad news: A legend.. the melodious voice of radio, of Binaca Geetmala.. of Bournvita Quiz contest on radio and so much more.. Behno aur Bhaiyo.. the genius that was Ameen Sayani with more than 50,000 radio shows is no more.. RIP, Om Shanti ?? pic.twitter.com/ufMQ586u6M
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) February 21, 2024
Radio to maintain 12% growth in 2024, thanks to elections
In 2023, Radio’s AdEx grew by 12%, maintained its market share of 2.3%, and, rang up ad spends of Rs. 2,272 crore
The Pitch Madison Advertising Report 2024 saw digital media dominating the AdEx share in 2023, with its slice of the pie set to get only bigger this year. However, while other media had a mixed year, compared to their pre-Covid heydays, Radio had a fairly successful run last year, with better results expected this coming year.
According to the Pitch Madison Advertising Report 2024, in absolute terms, overall AdEx in India came in just short of Rs. 1 lakh crore at Rs. 99,038 crore having added Rs. 9,235 crore. Meanwhile, in 2023, Radio’s AdEx grew by 12%, maintained its market share of 2.3%, and, rang up ad spends of Rs. 2,272 crore almost matching the pre-Covid level of 2019.
Radio, much like print, is expected to get another boost in 2024, thanks to the upcoming national elections, with the report stating, “We expect Radio to grow by another 12% on the back of 12% growth in 2023, taking RadioADEX to Rs. 2,272 crore, adding up to Rs. 277 crore during the year. Radio is another very popular medium with Politicians and Political Parties and the upcoming Parliamentary Elections should considerably help Radio achieve our projected growth.”
Thanks to being based on technology, as opposed to some other media, Radio companies are diversifying their content offerings by providing consumers with a broad range of digital content, including podcasts, live streams and immersive audio entertainment. This has not only allowed radio to gain access to an ever growing digital audience, not least of which are incoming Gen Z and Alpha cohorts, but also gives brands new and innovation-driving opportunities for consumer engagement with targeted, data-driven, advertising.
Within Radio AdEx, the largest share continues to be held by Real Estate at 16% followed by FMCG at 12%, Auto at 11% and BFSI at 9%. According to the report, “In terms of growth Auto registered a 48% growth, followed by Real Estate (26%), Retail (24%) and Corporate (21%). Travel & Tourism along with Clothing, Fashion and Jewelry also grew substantially, but on a relatively low base.”
Download the Pitch Madison Advertising Report 2024 here.
The power of Radio
Ramesh Menon, CEO, Fever FM, writes on the inspiration behind recalibration of Fever FM
Radio has always been a purveyor of dreams and aspirations. That singular voice from a box that captured everyone’s imagination. We have all had some or the other special memory linked to it.
But the biggest lesson that we can all learn from this medium is its terrific ability to reinvent itself. Something that we all must imbibe to thrive in this ever-changing world.
It is this that inspired us to recalibrate Fever FM into a brand that beats to the rhythm of the new world. As a radio station, we understand that our competition isn’t just another frequency but every content-generating platform and brand.
And so instead of resisting change, we decided to embrace it. When we say “Fever ka remote ab aapke haath mein” it is our way to empower and make the same people feel seen and heard who have ensured that radio remains one of the most powerful means to communicate.
It is to recognise our own strengths - the therapeutic touch of music along with the power of storytelling, and attune to the Gen Z content consumption patterns.
Cameras have now entered the sanctum sanctorum - our studios and our RJs now need to be seen as much as they are heard. But the ability to connect and communicate will remain at the heart of this relationship.
We are indebted to this medium and the platform it provides to drive the change that we want to see and lend our voice literally to issues that matter to us.
Classic radio teaches us that words can heal and empower and good old storytelling will never go out of fashion. Our audio dramas such as Ramayan, beyond boundaries have received so much love. Balance is the key here - to be a voice that mysterious weaves magic and a face that is immediately recognisable. As a brand, we aim to unlock radio’s full potential And match our frequency with the vibe of the youth.
Disclaimer: The views expressed here are solely those of the author and do not in any way represent the views of exchange4media.com.
Radio Mirchi completes Gaana deal, ad volume up 19% volume YoY
In its Q3 2024 results, Entertainment Network (India) Ltd. posted Rs 140 crore in total revenue, reporting a growth of 21% YoY
Entertainment Network (India) Ltd, the operator of radio channel Radio Mirchi, announced its results for the Third Quarter and Nine Months ended December 31, 2023 recently.
The radio channel registered an ad volume growth YoY of 18.7 per cent due to increased share of Retail/ local advertisers, Mirchi has a market share of 26.2 per cent.
During the quarter, total revenue stood at Rs 140 crore reporting a growth of 21 per cent YoY.
This was led by robust demand in Free Commercial Time (FCT) driven by high retail activity during the quarter. Non-FCT revenues also experienced a notable surge, reporting strong revenue growth of 45 per cent YoY.
EBITDA stood at Rs 44.3 crore boasting a 33 per cent margin and demonstrating a substantial 36.4 percent.
The digital segment contributed Rs 11.4 crore to the revenue, making up 13 per cent of the total radio revenues. Additionally, ENIL invested Rs 6.2 crore, further fortifying its digital presence.
The Gaana deal has been completed and the company is actively engaged in revitalising the brand and the product to enhance Mirchi's digital offerings to its audience. This acquisition is an important step towards turning around ENIL's digital story.
The international business continues to remain stable and profitable, and reported an EBITDA of over Rs 2.3 crore during the quarter.
Maintaining a robust financial position, the balance sheet reflects cash and cash equivalents amounting to Rs 262 crore as of December 31, 2023.
Commenting on the developments, Yatish Mehrishi, CEO, ENIL, said: "I am thrilled to report a strong quarter with increased radio activity and a fantastic festive season. Our revenue growth has outpaced the industry, demonstrating our leadership. Over the past two years, we've seen consistent revenue growth, doubling the industry average and significantly improving profitability. As our current businesses gain momentum, we're dedicated to future investments. The addition of Gaana is a crucial step in our digital journey, aiming to offer high-quality audio content on a unified platform. Looking ahead, the synergy between our brands, Mirchi and Gaana, along with our industry experience, positions ENIL as a key player in India's audio entertainment space."