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."

MUMBAI: Starting 22 October, UK pubcaster BBC Asian Network radio station will have a new schedule to ensure that the radio station remains relevant and reflects of all the UK?s Asian communities.

Tommy Sandhu, Nihal, Noreen Khan and Bobby Friction remain at the heart of the schedule during the week. Tommy will be setting his alarm an hour earlier as his Breakfast Show is extended, starting at 6 am.

Nihal keeps the nation talking, takes his phone-in show to the morning from 10 am. Noreen also kicks off her new longer show earlier, taking the full afternoon slot from 1.30-5 pm. While Bobby launches the new music and entertainment show with a new broadcasting partner, bringing his passion for new music into the mainstream alongside Anushka Arora.

Anushka is just one of three new presenters joining the network. She will join Asian Network from Sunrise Radio where she presented as Deepa Rai. Suzi Mann also arrives fresh to Asian Network to host the new Saturday Asian Download Chart Show.

Inheriting Bobby Friction?s mantel of specialist new music champion is newcomer 23-year-old Mancunian, Yasser.

Rounding off weekdays, Ray Khan will host the late night Hindi/Urdu slot from 9 pm and Gagan Grewal moves to the all-new weekend Breakfast show. Raj and Pablo stay in their weekend morning home with even more movies from Bollywood and beyond and Murtz continues with the Saturday Request Show.

That?s followed by Suzi Mann on the Chart and the Panjabi Hit Squad will continue to pump up Saturday nights with Kan-D-Man and Limelight. Sunday?s raft of new regional language programmes - including the new home for Bhangra music - will be announced next month prior to their launch in December.

News also remains at the heart of the schedule with Asian Network Reports - the station?s flagship half-hour news programme - broadcasting twice daily every weekday.

The network will broadcast from its two new consolidated centres, The Mailbox in Birmingham and New Broadcasting House, London.

Radio 2, 6 Music and Asian Network controller Bob Shennan said, "Asian Network is growing in reach and popularity and it?s essential that we continue to celebrate, champion and reflect the lives of all the UK?s Asian Communities. Our 10th birthday feels like the right time to refresh and re-energise our schedule, keeping our listeners? favourites at the heart of the network whist bringing some dynamic, exciting new talent to the airwaves."

Asian Network head of programmes Mark Strippel said, "This is the right moment to build on our recent Rajar results and an impressive summer of distinctive content with a new streamlined schedule focusing on the very best of Asian Network. It?s important that we continue to evolve and strengthen our engagement with audiences. We?d like thank all of our departing DJs for their significant contribution and we wish them the very best for the future."