Mumbai: Audiences in North Bengal and Sikkim can listen to the BBC’s special FM programming for the first time. This is the result of a partnership agreement between the BBC and Siliguri-based Radio Misty 94.3 FM. Listeners in the region can tune in to the BBC’s infotainment updates and chat shows tailor-made for India’s FM market.
 
The BBC programming includes infotainment updates, BBC Ek Minute – taking listeners inside the world of sports and entertainment every half-hour, from 8 am to 8 pm, Monday to Friday. Every Sunday, audiences will be treated to the BBC’s weekly chat show, BBC Ek Mulaqat, presented by BBC India Editor, Sanjeev Srivastava. The show profiles India’s prominent people from the world of media, films, sports, business, arts and politics, showing ‘the other side’ of celebrities’ lives and playing their favorite songs.
 
In addition, BBC Take One will feature previews and box office reports of new Bollywood and Hollywood films releasing in the week. The unique sports magazine, BBC Fun and Games, will provide a weekly round up of the recent sporting action from around the world, taking listeners into the rollercoaster world of sports, from cricket to Formula 1.
 
Radio Misty 94.3 FM CEO Nishant Mittal commented, "I am delighted that our radio is the first FM station in the region to enter into partnership with BBC. The alliance with the BBC is a major boost in our station’s efforts to offer quality content and entertainment to our listeners."
 
Known by its tagline ‘Gungunate Raho’ (Keep humming), Radio Misty 94.3 FM is the first FM station in Siliguri. Launched in 2007, it has an aerial reach of 80 km and broadcasts program in four languages—Hindi, Bengali, Nepali and English.
 
BBC World Service business development manager Vineeta Dwivedi added, "Partnership with Radio Misty 94.3 FM means we can now connect with the audience in this region. Our special infotainment programming adds an edge to a local FM station, and we are hopeful that Radio Misty’s audience will welcome the addition of BBC programming to their favorite station’s radio mix."