MUMBAI: BIG FM decided to hike their advertising rates as part of price correction, after understanding the network strength and more recently, the performance of the network – both in metros and emerging markets. The raise is by 20-30 per cent and will come into effective from today.

BIG FM business head Ashwin Padmanabhan said, “Our product mix, ability to innovate, solutions approach and unparalleled reach, sees us catering to almost 1800 clients on a monthly basis.

He further added, “It is now time to consolidate, while ensuring the aural experience is of best quality. This price correction will ensure that the core product and promise remain relevant to the audiences while delivering optimum value to the advertisers.”

The company note stated that with marketers exceedingly recognising the power of the medium and utilising it to their advantage, the timing could not be more perfect for an upward revision in rates.

The Network went completely retro in several markets. The core market of the station Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai, which play the evergreen classics, have witnessed good figures in terms of share and TSL (time spent listening). In the recent TAM ratings, Big FM was in second position in TSL with 5.09. Also, its Bangalore station which plays 100 per cent Kannada music was number one in cumes (RAM Week 4 - January 26'14 – February 1 '14).

The radio station is the destination for some interesting shows like 'Yaadon ka Idiot Box' with Neelesh Misra and 'Suhaana Safar' with Annu Kapoor, 'Se Shudhu Gaaner Din' with Sabyasachi Chakraborthy (Kolkata), the breakfast show with RJ Siddharth, 'Retro Talkies' with Sihi Kahi Chandru and Geetha (Bangalore). BIG FM is a network of 45 stations spread across the metros and non-metros.

Padmanabhan in the past has stated that BIG FM will be making bold moves for the year 2014 in the space of content development and the pressure to differentiate, while creating meaningful and entertaining content will be high.