FM Rainbow: They?ve got a good thing going

When power cuts and poor city infrastructure dominate, Kanpur has little to cheer about, except of course, the just-launched FM service, FM Rainbow. The launch of the service opened a whole new vista for Kanpurites.

Ruchika Arora, a creative head in an advertisement agency said, “With the launch of the FM service, the reach of radio is set to increase. Already you can hear the service in buses, auto-rickshaws, tea-stalls, cars, residences, etc.

Meanwhile, the audience is classless, casteless, ranging from rich to poor, young to old and from urban to rural.”

Tarun Tripathi unit manager in a multinational bank too said, “The reach of FM among the masses has brightened up everything.” 

Meenakshi Sudan a teacher at St Mary’s Convent High School said, “FM gives us a local feel and we can easily relate to it.”

Ramesh, an auto-rickshaw puller said, “Radio sets are very affordable, which is the best thing about FM channels.”

The enthusiasm among students listening in is also worth noting. According to Sonalika Arya a student in a private institute, “I just love to listen to FM radio and the launch of FM Rainbow in Kanpur is simply great. The phone-in programme, Hotline, is my favourite.” Another Class 10 student Princy Kapoor says, “The music programmes are great to listen on FM Rainbow channel.” Harish Verma, a leading businessman of the city says, “FM radio is really good, I can even listen to it on my mobile phone and it smoothens me from my hectic schedule.”

Residents in rural areas are also excited with the coming of the FM service in Kanpur. According to Suraj Singh, a resident of Kanpur Dehat, “We have been regular listeners of Vividh Bharti but FM has a lot else to offer.” Rajpal Bahadur, another resident of the same area said, “Electricity is a big problem in Kanpur, therefore, FM radio has given us a reason to be happy in such conditions.”  .