Challenges invoke growth potential

As we began 2010, we were conscious of the challenges that confront us in a difficult market situation, but our confidence remains strong, encouraged by a robust performance in 2009.

Although the adverse effects of recession affected the productivity and profitability of many businesses, Radio Tarana was among those that strived harder to improve performance and market share.

Year 2009 began with a note of caution – some people were even fearful of making losses or losing jobs but those with the will to persevere stayed on, personifying the adage, “When the going gets tough, the tough gets going.”

I have always believed that challenges afford the best opportunities to grow. The year that is leaving us witnessed impressive growth.

As reported in Indian Newslink (May 1, 2009), Radio Tarana created broadcasting history by recording a 55% increase in its listenership to become one of the top 10 radio stations in the greater Auckland region.

A Research International Australia New Zealand survey, conducted between February 14 and March 17, 2009, said that our radio station had a listener base of 66,400, up from 44,100 listeners recorded during the previous survey.

This represented an increase of 26,300 listeners, stated to be a record for any radio station in New Zealand between two survey periods.

The new rating placed Radio Tarana on a par with the mainstream radio stations in the metropolitan Auckland region. We registered a 4.7% share, beating Radio Hauraki (4.4%), More FM (4.1%), Radio Live and Radio Sport (2.6% each) and Solid Gold FM (1.7%).

Tarana is the only ethnic station in New Zealand to be ranked among the top 10.

Today we cater to a diverse mix of listeners of people of Indian origin including India, Fiji, UK, South Africa and other parts of the world, ethnic groups comprising Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, Sri Lankans, Nepalese and people from the Middle East.

Such a mix places us in a unique and challenging position to offer variety and innovative programmes. Our innovative spirit includes a number of initiatives such as special Punjabi shows, tribute shows, award programmes and talkback shows.

We are of course proud media partners of the Indian Newslink Indian Business Awards, which is evincing increasing interest among the Indian business community.

Our growing partnership with the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards, Auckland Cricket and other organisations help us to bring running commentaries, interviews with celebrities and updates exclusively for our listeners not only in New Zealand but also worldwide.

The year saw once again Radio Tarana taking the lead role in organising the Manukau, Auckland, Waitakere and Wellington Diwali festivals and Fiji Day celebrations, showcasing the culture and heritage of the communities involved.

One of the highlights of our activities in 2009 was the introduction of ‘Bobby Darling’ Live on stage as a part of our Fiji Festival. The controversial character appeared for the first time in New Zealand. Bobby Darling will return to Auckland to participate in our ‘Fiji Festival’ on February 20 at the Telstra Clear Pacific Events Centre in Manukau City along with another ‘surprise performer.’ Details of the Festival are contained elsewhere in this Special Report.

I am also proud that Radio Tarana has been constantly and consistently featuring news, interviews and opinions from Fiji, providing a proper platform for airing all opinions, without bias.

I am equally proud of the Tarana team of professionals who strive hard to bring and present quality programmes.

We have planned a number of exciting programmes and events for 2010. I hope you would find them interesting, informative and entertaining.

Robert Khan is Managing Director of Radio Tarana based in Auckland. Read related reports in this Special Section.