GreatEscapes, a travel advisory firm based in Bangalore launches an exclusive Photography Expedition to the Agumbe Rainforest this May with experienced wildlife photgrapher Amoghavarsha. This 2 day workshop will take you to the heart of the rainforest to spot some of the rare species found only in this region. The expedition starts from Bangalore on the 29th of May.

Photography Expedition to Agumbe Rainforest, 30-31 May

Agumbe is a small town located in Shimoga district in the state of Karnataka, India. Agumbe is among the few places in India that receive very heavy rainfall earning it the title, “Cherrapunji of the South”. It receives a mean annual rainfall of 7640 mm. Agumbe is today, fast gaining recognition world over for being home to a large number of King Cobras and other rare species that have recently been discovered.

As a part of the small team (max 15 people) that would travel to Agumbe, you would be based at The Agumbe Rainforest Research Station and would learn the nuances of photographing wildlife and key tips on how to get the best out of your camera, when in the wild.

Ace researcher Gowrishankar would walk you through Agumbe, its topography, unique endemic species found here and most importantly – Radio Telemetry Tracking of King Cobras. You would interact with trackers and would go on trekking trails with guides, while periodically stopping to exercise your cameras!

To be part of this limited group of enthusiast, write to info@greatescapes.co.in or call Ajay on +91-9844161733 / 9886101005 or visit our website www.greatescapes.co.in

Special backdrop on BIG Bus where people can pledge to vote by signing their names

With the national elections just around the corner, BIG 92.7 FM came up with another unique campaign called ‘Bhagvan Ke Naam Pe Dede’. This campaign was aimed at giving listeners a completely local flavor of the forthcoming elections in a smart & witty manner. An election special, where people got to express and vote on different aspects of elections like Best Publicity Stunt by Netha or Most Common Promises made by Nethas.

Guinness Record Holder Master Kishan with children promoting Voting for a better tomorrow

To create strong visual impact, the station planned a unique get-together with school children on the 21st of April at Bangalore Central mall. With the thought of creating a better future for our children, a large graffiti board was sporting messages by children to communicate the importance of voting & choosing the right candidate. This program was kicked off by the famous child artist Master Kishan who holds the Guinness Record for being the World’s Youngest Film Director.

RJ Rashmi & Master Kishan at BIG FM's campaing on Voting

Children's handprints to support BIG FM's voting campaign

This campaign which began on April 13th focussed on one element each day and got listener votes for the day’s topic. The voting process was high on interaction where listeners came on air and shared their views on each element.

The BIG Bus acting as a mobile voting booth covered various parts of the city encouraging people to share their views. BIG FM RJs accompanied this bus educating residents on the importance of voting and getting people to take a pledge by signing on the bus.

RJ Harsha who host’s BIG COFFEE on BIG 92.7 FM  has been chosen to be part of the 5 member team visiting Rotary International district 5950, Minneapolis in Minnesota, for a month in April’09.

Rotary International as part of their annual Rotary Group Study Exchange programme (GSE) selects professionally acclaimed youngsters with multiple talents, to visit a partnering district in the United States of America each year. Selection to the programme is through a series of rigorous interviews and group discussions. BIG FM’s RJ Harsha who participated in this selection process was eventually chosen to be a part of this 5 member team based on his unique talents & past contributions towards the field of media entertainment.

RJ Harsha will be hosted by various American families over the duration of a month and will be taken on vocational visits to major radio stations in Minneapolis area apart from sharing our cultural background across various platforms. This is the first time that an RJ has been selected to be part of the program.

An excited RJ Harsha says “I’m extremely thankful to Rotary International for having chosen me to be one of the ambassadors for this prestigious GSE program. I hope to share my experiences with my international counterparts and bring back best practices to the industry back home”.

RJ Harsha with GSE Team members from Minneapolis, USA - Jay & Adrienne

The station also recently hosted the incoming team members of Minneapolis who visited the BIG FM studios. These excited individuals shared their experiences of being in a culturally vibrant land and wished BIG FM listeners on-air.

Airtel, Karnataka’s number one mobile network, joined hands with BIG 92.7 FM, Bangalore’s No. 1 FM Station for an initiative titled “Bekadashtu Bella” UGADI initiative. As part of this initiative, 50 kiosks were set up across Bangalore to distribute Bevu-Bella to as many people as possible and wish them joy and good fortune this UGADI – the Kannada New Year. Airtel hello tunes scratch cards were offered to those receiving Bevu-Bella from the kiosks and few lucky ones also stood chance to win Airtel goodies. The winners were also taken on air where they could wish the entire city.

Actress Neetu, Music Director Mano Murthy celebrated ugadi with BIG FM RJs Shruthi, Rashmi & Harsha

40 lucky BIG FM listeners got to meet their favourite Kannada movie stars like Pooja Gandhi, Mano Murthy, Neetu, and personally receive Bevu-Bella along with sweets and best wishes from them. Intended to connect with approximately 50,000 people across Bangalore, Mysore, Mangalore & Udupi, this was a unique initiative to bring people together on the happy occasion of Ugadi. The station also saw Aindritha Ray visiting the BIG FM studios to wish her listeners.

Actress Pooja Gandhi with BIG FM listeners during ugadi celebrations at shoot location

Actress Aindritha Ray with RJ Harsha at BIG FM studios during Ugadi

50 Airtel – BIG FM kiosks were set up across various locations in Bangalore to present Bevu-Bella to people. Indiranagar, RT Nagar, Malleshwaram, Rajajinagar, Basaveshwaranagar, Shivajinagar, K.R. Market, Basavanagudi, Koramangala, Jayanagar, Banashankari, Banaswadi, Kammanahalli and KR Puram were the areas selected. 10 kiosks spread across Mangalore, 5 kiosks in Mysore and one kiosk in Udupi also distribute Bevu-Bella to the people on 26^th March 2009.

Actor & Director Ramesh Aravind with blind children from Samarthanam Trust during Ugadi celebrations

The Airtel – BIG FM Ugadi festivities culminated on 27^th March 2009, with Actor & Director Ramesh Aravind personally giving away Bevu-Bella to special children from Samarthanam Trust & lucky customers at the Airtel Relationship Centre, Bannerghatta road. BIG FM broadcasted live from the Airtel lobby for 3 hours between 5 – 8pm and lucky customers got a chance to meet their favourite star and win cool prizes every hour.

Bangalore 8 Mar: International Women’s Day is celebrated as a recognition of the inner strength, courage, values and dignity that embodies a woman. Bangalore’s No 1 FM station, BIG 92.7 FM has chosen this day to pay homage to the success stories of the ‘woman of today’ and do away with all negative influences that try to suppress her one of the largest being eve teasing.

Women's Day celebrations at BIG FM office with lady bus conductors, taxi & auto drivers along with RJs Shruthi, Nethra & Rashmi

In ensuring that the subject comes to the fore in its true sense, the Station, hosted Sandalwood actress Jennifer Kotwal who voiced her issues against the menace, which does not escape any woman. In order to ensure listeners can identify with the issue and come forth to voice their opinions, the Station also hosted lady taxi drivers, lady auto drivers and lady bus conductors – essentially women in unconventional and male dominated roles, to launch the campaign against ‘Eve Teasing’ at the BIG FM Studios on Friday, 6^th March.

RJ Rashmi with Gayathri (auto driver) & BMTC lady bus conductors

Amongst those invited were Gayathri, a young engineering college student who also works as an auto driver, as well as Manjula and Aruna – who have adopted the profession of cab drivers out of financial necessity. The Station saluted their spirit of conviction in the way they have chosen to lead their lives.

To ensure listeners are well equipped, tips and guidelines on self-protection were also discussed as listeners were invited to share experiences and possible solutions. Taking their commitment to the cause further, the station’s RJs distributed pepper sprays to women on-air while suggesting ways to prepare and protect themselves from future attacks and harassment.

Actress Jennifer Kotwal with lady bus conductors and drivers & RJ Rashmi

BIG 92.7 FM’s RJ Shruthi says “Every woman is a mother, sister or a wife & she cannot change the world alone. So men, who care about us, respect us and love us should stand beside us. Only when men and women come together can they successfully create a safe and secure future for the entire society.”

A special Women’s Day video of BIG FM’s female RJs is uploaded on this link below http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_-XuVhIg94

]]> http://radiofmblog.wordpress.com/2009/03/09/big-927-fm-bangalore-salutes-women-in-male-dominated-professions/feed/ 0 radiofmblog womens-day-cake-with-bmtc-conductors-auto-and-taxi-drivers rj-rashmi-with-gayathi-autodriver-bmtc-bus-conductors jennifer-kotwal-with-bmtc-bus-conductors-and-rj-rashmi http://radiofmblog.wordpress.com/2009/02/26/big-927-fm-bangalore-celebrates-75th-anniversary-of-kannada-films/ http://radiofmblog.wordpress.com/2009/02/26/big-927-fm-bangalore-celebrates-75th-anniversary-of-kannada-films/#comments Thu, 26 Feb 2009 11:07:22 +0000 radiofmblog http://radiofmblog.wordpress.com/?p=197 ]]>

CD cover for Karunaada Sangeetha Vaibhava

Bangalore: BIG 92.7 FM, Bangalore’s No1 FM station celebrates the 75th year of Kannada Film industry with the launch of Airtel Karunaada Sangeetha Vaibhava, a musical repertoire from the golden era of Kannada film music which is exclusively marketed by IndiaTales. BIG 92.7 FM is the official Radio Partner for this musical selection and has lined up a host of on-air programs and live interviews to relive this era. This is a rare combination of original singers and upcoming talented voices.

A tribute to the evergreen music directors, Rajan-Nagendra, this collection has 60 carefully selected songs of these legendary music directors divided into 5 genres or CDs of 12 songs each and a Sing Along Karaoke DVD.

1. Aradhane – Devotional songs

2. Anubandha – Romantic

3. Aadumaathu – Folk Songs

4. Anudhina – Contemporary

5. Arpane – Rajkumar Hits

6. Aadhiraaga – Karaoke DVD to sing and swing along to the melodies of all the 60 songs of “Airtel Karunaada Sangeetha Vaibhava.”

“This is an endeavour to bring yesteryears’ golden songs to music lovers. There is a huge fan following for the nostalgic melodies of the past era as per the legendary Rajan-Nagendra. Kannadigas love music and they enjoy listening to good lyrics with the right beat. This music recreation is a tribute to Kannadiga music lovers and the superheroes of our soil like Dr. Rajkumar. This music album, involving elaborate production values, shall always be remembered as Rajan-Nagendra’s & IndiaTales’ memorable Gift to the Kannadiga music lovers.” says Mr. Nalin Singh, Managing Director of IndiaTales and Producer of this album.

Speaking on the association, Mr. Sunil Kumaran, Cluster Head – Karnataka & Kerala, BIG 92.7 FM said “We are proud to be associated with Airtel Karunaada Sangeetha Vaibhava as its Radio partner. With this music collection, we are trying to relive popular heroes of yesteryears. It is our endeavor to keep offering content that is enriching and value adding to our listeners and through these timeless classics, we hope to bridge the gap between the old and the young.”

BIG 92.7 FM RJ’s across Bangalore, Mangalore & Mysore will be promoting this music collection across its time bands along with artist interviews. BIG RJ’s will conduct contests and give away free CD packs to the lucky winners.

Uniqueness of the album

a. These are melodies recreated with artists’ sound bytes describing their feelings about the golden era and the changes they see now

b. This album is being produced under the guidance and presence of the legendary music director

c. It will have karaoke tracks for music lovers to sing along and remember the wonderful era perhaps forever

d. For the first time an option of pre order for an exclusive platinum pack which will have the entire pack of the recreated golden era with Karaoke tracks and the making of this album for just Rs 299/- on www.indiatales.com and all music store across Karnataka.

e. Taking cognizance of the huge demand, we have provided this benefit of pre order booking at 10% discount.

Album Sponsors:

Platinum Sponsors – Airtel

Radio Partner – BIG 92.7 FM

TV Partner – Zee Kannada

Airtel Bengaluru Habba, the largest cultural event of the year is back for the 5th consecutive year. This year, Habba is spread over 15 locations for a period of 8 days from 15th to 22nd of Feb and brings with it a series of performances and shows with popular names from across the country. BIG 92.7 FM, the No 1 FM station in the city is the Official Radio Partner for Bengaluru Habba for the second consecutive year. The station on this occasion has lined up a host of on-air programs and live shows to promote this culturally vibrant festival.

RJ Rohith & RJ Rashmi hosting Bengaluru Habba on 21st Feb

BIG 92.7 FM’s popular RJs Rohith & Rashmi hosted the grand inaugural function on 15th Feb while RJs Harsha & Shruthi will be hosting select shows for Habba across different venues and entertain the audiences with their smart wit and humor. BIG RJs will be promoting Habba programs on-air with artist interviews, contests and updates on various artists performing on a day to day basis. VIP passes will also be given away to lucky winners.

RJ Archana & RJ Harsha at Bengaluru Habba

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sunil Kumaran, Cluster Head – Karnataka & Kerala, BIG 92.7 FM said “We are proud to be associated with Bengaluru Habba as their official radio partner for the second time. As the leading FM station with the highest reach in the city we will ensure that the Habba connects with all Kannadiaga and is a huge success this year too. Our RJs will not only help connect Habba with thousands of listeners across the city but also spread the spirit of the festival over the coming week”.

Child artists perform during the grand finale of Habba

For more details on the program schedules, pls visit this weblink www.bengaluruhabba.co.in

Chamkaisi Chindi Udaisi

BIG 92.7 FM, Bangalore, in its continued efforts to contribute to the society and impact listeners lives in a positive manner, observed ‘World Cancer Day’ with a difference. With an aim to spread awareness about cancer prevention, the station initiated an on-air and on-ground activity. They spoke about various methods of preventing this deadly disease and also interacted with cancer patients and prominent doctors across the city.

As part of the station’s on-ground activity, BIG FM’s RJ Rohith visited a Bangalore Hospice Trust called ‘Karunashraya’ located on the outskirts. This centre spread provides in-patient care for over 35 terminal cancer patients. RJ Rohith brought some cheer to these patients by entertaining them with his popular pranks. He even got a few of them to sing their favourite tunes. Special song requests and dedications made by these patients were also catered to.

RJ Rohith with staff of Karunashraya

BIG 92.7 FM’s RJ Rohith says “This experience has renewed my sense of commitment towards society. Interacting with the patients was a reality check. On World Cancer Day, these are the kind of people we can look to as role models. People who are so uncertain of their future and yet to so happy and cheerful in their outlook to life.”

Posters on Cancer & prevention

BIG FM RJ Shruthi, Singer Shamita Malnad, Music Director GuruKiran & RJ Harsha at Republic Day Musical Parade

BIG 92.7 FM Banglore hosted a unique property called the Republic Day Musical Parade, calling people from across the city to come together, showcase their patriotism and salute the spirit of being Indian.

As part of its Republic Day Musical Parade, BIG FM invited listeners from various localities across the city to express their patriotism in the form of patriotic songs. Challenging the creativity of listeners, they were also invited to send in self written / composed songs. BIG FM featured these compositions on air. 

On 23rd Jan, the station hosted noted Kannada celebrities like Guru Kiran (Music Director) & Singer Shamita Malnad among others at the studios for a special Republic Day sing-song session along with listeners & BIG FM RJ’s Harsha & Shruthi. The entire group sang various patriotic songs to celebrate our 60th Republic Day and gave special messages on-air. A surprise quiz was held for the listeners on topics related to our country’s freedom and constitution with special prizes given away by the celebrities to the winners. 

Apart from this, the Station’s outdoor broadcasting teams hosted live links with people ranging from singer groups, corporates, schools and colleges, theatre groups, housing localities and many more – touching thousand of people across the city and getting them to sing patriotic songs together as a group, thus imbibing one-ness and pride of being an Indian. The sing-song culminated with the groups singing the Vande Mataram together.

When people the world over are reeling under the burden of financial instability and depression, BIG 92.7 FM’s Bangalore Station has conceptualized a campaign that will ensure at least its listeners get a chance to get tough on recession. Aptly christened ‘Bitti Harusha Idi Varusha’, the contest is aimed at giving listeners the opportunity to win something for free for an entire year this Sankranthi. The contest beginning January 8^th and running up to January 14, 2009, will run across the morning and evening shows, with winners being declared every single day.

The contest was kicked off by sandalwood actress Biyanka Desai at the BIG FM Studios on 8^th Jan. She also handed over a year’s supply of assorted biscuits, chocolates and other snacks to the representatives of Asha Nilaya – an orphanage in Ejipura to mark the occasion.

Actress Biyanka handsover biscuits & chocolates to children of Asha Nilaya Orphanage, RJ Rohith looks on

A combination of on and off-air events, the campaign is essentially a simple fun QUIZ, aimed at testing the knowledge of BIG FM listeners around recession and jobs. Lucky listeners who answer the questions correctly can win free supply of – groceries, gym memberships, gold jewelry, apparels & sarees, fitness and beauty vouchers and much much more. While 6 winners will be declared each day, the grand finale is something to be looked forward to, which is scheduled to be held on January 13, 2009 at Garuda Mall where 10 shortlisted listeners will be quizzed and compete for big prizes to last them an entire year.

Listeners can register for the contest via SMS (BIG _ Name to 55454) or call on 80-39890927 and leave their name and number. BIG FM RJ’s will randomly pick registered listeners starting from the 8^th of Jan and quiz them on-air. Those who are successful in giving just one correct response will win a year’s supply of merchandize. It’s as simple as that!