MUMBAI: Radio Netherlands Worldwide (RNW) has taken on a new partnership with one of the largest cable networks in India; Incablenet (IndusInd Media & Communications Ltd. of Hinduja Group). This allows around two million listeners of Indian households to listen to the English programmes of RNW.

The international broadcaster is already collaborating with various FM radio stations, and Incablenet allows the Indian public to access RNW programmes via cable for the first time.

Last year RNW began establishing partnerships with local FM stations and broadcasting organisations such as Radio Misty to provide the Indian population with information about the Netherlands and Europe. And during the India festival in the Netherlands last year RNW covered the event together with All India Radio.

The partnership with Incablenet enables RNW to air its English programmes not only on FM, but for the first time via digital cable. Incablenet, headquartered in Mumbai is one of the largest and pioneering cable MSO (Multi System Operator) companies in India. The company currently services over 6.5 million homes. The digital cable networks of Incablenet also continue to grow rapidly.

RNW director general Jan Hoek says, "India is one of the fastest emerging superpowers in the world. Growing trade, historical and new cultural relations with the Netherlands mean that the need for information about Western countries is growing. Via Incablenet we aim to contribute to fulfilling this need."

Incablenet managing director Ravi Mansukhani adds, "We are pleased to distribute RNW in our digital distribution networks in India. The radio industry is estimated to have grown at an impressive CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 19.7% over the year 2006-08 in India. Emergence of radio stations like RNW could also help the industry in attracting new listeners and driving up overall radio listener ship. We wish RNW all the success and a long innings in India after this launch."