Sahara Manoranjan is all set to launch its radio network that will be heard
across the world. The move follows its purchase of four channels on the
WorldSpace Satellite Network. To begin with, the radio channel will air
Hindi film songs and programmes.

Meanwhile, the Sahara Manoranjan TV channel will be called SaharaOne from
October 10.

Satish Menon, president, sales, marketing and distribution of Sahara
Manoranjan, said that the project cost of SaharaOne radio services is
estimated to be around Rs 1,500 crore (Rs 15 billion), which will be
invested over a period of three years.

"The WorldSpace satellite network is gaining ground globally and a couple of
radio receiver set manufacturers of the country have even begun
manufacturing compatible radio sets. We aim to provide a whole range of
radio services through the endeavour," he said.

With a potential of millions of radio audience across different
demographies, India presents one of the greatest opportunities for the
satellite radio market. SaharaOne Radio will play the leading role in
spurring growth in a hitherto untapped market.

Added Menon, "We are confident that SaharaOne will be the future of media
entertainment in India. Today, we have the unique opportunity to offer
entertainment concepts across different avenues on a scale and magnitude
never before seen in the Indian entertainment industry."

SaharaOne will be the umbrella brand across four major businesses of motion
pictures, radio, television and special projects, he added.
Commenting on the movie production front, Menon stated that while 10 to 15
movies produced or jointly produced by Sahara Manoranjan have already been
released, about 40 more are in the post-production stage.
"The plan over the next three years or so is to produce 250 movies, with
about 40 movies this calendar year," Menon stated.

http://inhome.rediff.com/money/2004/sep/27sahara.htm