MUMBAI: Adlabs' radio division Big FM contributed Rs 510 million for the first quarter of 2008-09 to the company's consolidated revenues of Rs 2.54 billion, a jump of 217 per cent.

The current quarter includes the results of the radio operations for the first time, and hence may not be comparable with the earlier years. Consequently, there has been a significant increase in the depreciation and interest charge in this quarter, says an official release. The company has posted a profit before tax of Rs 60 million after providing for increased depreciation and interest on account of radio.

On a stand alone basis, the company has posted a net profit of Rs 1.15 billion in the first quarter. Total Income during the quarter stood at Rs 2.09 billion.

During the quarter, revenue of the cinema division grew by 184 per cent to Rs 780 million while the film processing and services division recorded a 48 per cent increase to Rs 300 million. Revenue from film production and distribution business increased by 372 per cent, contributing Rs 530 million.

Revenue from the television content business, which operates under Synergy Adlabs, went up by 727 per cent to Rs 170 milion.

Meanwhile, Big FM that claimed leadership in listenership in Kolkata where TAM's Radio Audience Measurement (RAM) commenced last month, has also staked claim to the number one spot in Bangalore. Quoting RAM findings, Big FM says it tops across reach, Market Share and TARP (Target Audience Rating Points).

As per the latest RAM data conducted for four weeks on an average, ending on 31 July, Big FM delivers 'reach' of over 13.5 million listeners cumulatively in the four metros - Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata, says a release.

Speaking on the Bangalore figures, Big FM cluster head, Karnataka and Kerala, Sunil Kumaran says, "We are Bangalore's first complete Kannada radio station, which has been received very well by listeners. We are very excited with the numbers, especially given that our network is just about to complete two years.

It re-affirms our positioning and content strategy which helped us stand out in the cluttered environment especially in the cosmopolitan city of Bangalore."

RAM, a joint venture between market research firm IMRD international and Neilson Media Research is currently operational in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and now in Kolkata.