NEW DELHI: A radio station is to be launched especially for the Gay and Lesbian Community in India (LGBT) by Radiowalla.in, India‘s first direct-to-consumer multi-channel Internet radio platform.

The channel will be available 24x7 via any broadband connected device and mobile phones with a data plan through mobile apps for android, iOS, Blackberry and java feature phones. Radiowalla.in, launched recently, already has over 20 radio stations carefully created and curated by professionals with a wide range of music, non-music and talk shows with personalities like ‘The Kiran Bedi Show‘ and others.

According to a TNN report on the Gay population in India, if the most conservative western estimate of 2 per cent is taken and extrapolated on the Indian population in the assumption that gayness is universal, the Indian gay community - including men and women - would at least be over 20 million strong, which is larger than some of the minority communities in India.

"One of the main objectives of Radiowalla.in, as a platform, is to cater to special interests of a population not being addressed by mainstream media adequately and that of Inclusion of all through the diverse channels offered on this radio platform. I believe that the Gay and Lesbian population can benefit from a space of their own. This community has style, they are upwardly mobile, they are coming out to show the nation that they belong and have to be accepted and it is about time they get a voice of their own in the national discourse. I am delighted at this decision to have their participation as part of our offering," said Anil Srivatsa, CEO and co-founder of the parent company of Radiowalla.in.

"Anyone wanting to be a part of this can contact us and we will introduce them to the creative agency. Radiowalla.in is looking to bolster its team with members of the Gay and Lesbian community with a passion for this medium, experience and the flair for radio and help make this a channel that not only embodies the spirit and issues of the community but a channel that will be attract everyone to tune in. This will be a very Cool channel," Anil added.

The channel content plan will include the eclectic musical taste of the community from around the world, live-talk format call-in shows on fashion, lifestyle and social issues. It will also include interviews with prominent leaders of the community who are now role models of society, pop culture, entertainment, activism and counseling.

"We would love the South Asian LGBT community around the world to contribute, participate and also add to this channel with more of their own content to be part of our offering on Radiowalla.in," said Harry Bhatia, the other co-founder.

Reacting to this news, popular playwright and director Mahesh Dattani said: "Radio has the power to reach out and communicate effectively through dialogue, discourse and outreach. The LGBT community I am sure will make good use of it to build their identity and address issues that concern them specifically. Communities all over the world ranging from farmers, religious sects, women, linguistic minorities etc. have benefitted greatly by the power of this medium. This is a step in the right direction towards a more sophisticated and egalitarian society."

NEW DELHI: Senior Indian Police Service officer and former Director General of the Bureau of Police Research and Development Kiran Bedi will soon be hosting a one hour weekly interactive talk show on Radiowalla Network?s www.radiowalla.in.

The show is scheduled to air every week on Saturdays at 9 pm. This time slot has been picked to give the global Indian a voice in the national discourse. The first show is slated to start on 30 June at 9 pm.

The self-titled talk show, ?The Kiran Bedi Show?, will deal with several sensitive topics in the realm of corruption, government policy, social justice, drug abuse, and lighter subjects ? the world from Kiran Bedi?s perspective. She will invite prominent and change making guests on her show from around the world. The show will accept live call-ins where listeners will have a chance to debate and discuss issues taken, thus giving people a chance to openly express their opinions and play a pivotal role in influencing the Indian national agenda.

?India is the world?s largest democracy. I am extremely excited to be able to work with Radiowalla, and reach out to the bright youth of today worldwide, hear what they have to say and hopefully induce change from a grassroots level. The internet is the only medium today to be able to reach out uncensored, even to rural India? says Kiran Bedi.

?We are thrilled to have Kiran Bedi on board, as it is a perfect match towards what we want Radiowalla to stand for, that is, a platform that promotes a diverse exchange of ideas from all walks of life, and gives people around the world an opportunity to participate in the national discourse.All this mixed in with the best there is in what music and entertainment has to offer? says Radiowalla Network CEO Anil Srivatsa.

Earlier in 2008, Kiran Bedi had her first stint as a radio talk show host as ?Top Cat? on the FM channel Meow 104.8 FM, an only for women radio station.

?We have a lineup of celebrity talk show hosts who will stimulate thoughts, voices and entertain. We will be making those announcements soon as well,? added Anil Srivatsa.

?The Kiran Bedi Show? (and the rest of the radiowalla Radio channels) will be available via any broadband connected device including GPRS, 2G and 3G connected Mobile phones through the android platform and i-phone platforms initially.

Radiowalla is a direct-to-consumer radio service distributed online that offers a variety of special interest (genre based music stations and non-music original and syndicated content), Internet radio channels catering to audiences worldwide.Radiowalla aims to promote fresh talent, discover new political trendsetters and provide a voice to global Indians, using the Internet to make the exchange of ideas a normal part of life.

?India is a country where approximately 65% of the population is below 35years. This demographic, is the future, and what better way to reach them, than via the Internet, not to mention the fact that this is the only viable medium through which global Indians can participate as well. We are honored to have Kiran Bedi on board to kick start this initiative," says Radiowalla co-founder Harry Bhatia.

Radiowalla Network is a young startup which has two services ? SpotRadio& Radiowalla. SpotRadio, an in-store radio solutions product which was launched last year in August 2011, has partnered with over 40+ national retail chains with over 3000 sites in the country and is expected to be present in 10,000 sites before this year ends. Radiowalla.in is Radiowalla Network?s direct to consumer audio platform which will initially offer 30+ streaming audio channels for netizens worldwide.