BBC broadcasts to India via WorldSpace satellite radio

Televisionpoint.com Correspondent
City dwellers across India can now enjoy a range of BBC programmes, in digital quality sound, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, thanks to a partnership between international radio service, BBC World Service and WorldSpace satellite radio which broadcasts to the Indian subcontinent.

Listeners across India and in places such as Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad and Mumbai, can subscribe to WorldSpace's basic package to hear BBC news and BBC World Service programmes in four languages: English, Hindi, Urdu and Bengali.

They can also hear BBC programmes on WorldSpace's newly launched all-sports radio channel, Play. Subscribers to an enhanced gold package will, in addition, receive the BBC Global News channel which has up-to-the-minute news and in-depth analysis from the BBC.

Michel Lobelle, BBC Business Development Manager, Asia and Pacific Region, said: "I am pleased the BBC is now available right across India in digital audio quality - a major achievement."

Shishir Lall, Managing Director of WorldSpace India said: "We are delighted to be broadcasting BBC World Service because it delivers the right mix of original and innovative programming. We are thrilled that the BBC is helping to make our vision a reality in our primary market."

BBC programmes in English include its flagship programmes Newshour, 60 minutes of news and analysis of the day's top stories from the BBC's most experienced correspondents, and Outlook which brings human interest stories from across the globe.

World, Have Your Say is the weekly multimedia, interactive phone-in programme encouraging ordinary people to put questions to experts and leading international figures in the news.

BBC programmes in Bengali include E Masher Bitarko, the interactive programme debating the current issue of the day with listeners and experts across the world.

Mathe Maidaney is the specialist sports magazine programme while Dharabahik offers documentaries.

Subscribers can also keep across Listeners' Letters and hear the latest in information technology in Click Online.

BBC programmes in Hindi include Aaj Ke Din, the morning programme and Aaj Kal, the evening news programme with expert opinion and analysis of current affairs, business and sports stories as they unfold.

Aapki Rai is dedicated to listeners' letters and Career Kya Karoon helps listeners with career-related queries and information.

Humse Poochiye answers listeners' questions on general topics and Aapki baat: BBC ke saath, is the live half-hour interactive programme where listeners can put questions to a guest.

BBC programmes in Urdu includes the flagship programme Sairbeen which provides 60 minutes of news and current affairs every day.

Jahanuma is the daily breakfast programme that sets the day's news agenda, ensuring listeners are fully informed, and Shabnama has a roundup of the main events of the day.

BBC Urdu also brings listeners weekly magazine features on sports, science and the economy.