MUMBAI: After Ahmedabad and Surat, RCS India has now started its monitoring services for radio in Lucknow.

With the launch of this service for Lucknow, RCS India has taken a step forward towards covering all Category A cities with AirCheck, with Nagpur, Kanpur and Pune next in line. The AirCheck service helps broadcasters to track competition and to target their own marketing activities. AirCheck India, a subsidiary of US-based RCS Inc., provides audio identification services of commercials and songs that are played on air. AirCheck India monitors radio stations around the clock, every day of the year and provides same day verification.Says RCS India's India general manager Karl Kessler, Lucknow has over two million people and its economic strength seems to grow by the day. This has impact on the local media as well. Thats why we see a demand for media monitoring services in this market.

Adds Nilesh Kolapkar, who is responsible for marketing and customer relations for the monitoring service, We started the monitoring process for the stations in Lucknow in late January 2008. By now, the data have matured. As of February 2008, we can provide subscribers with the full information about advertising on radio and the songs being played at each station.

Currently, Radio Mirchi, Radio City and S FM are on air in Lucknow.