Satellite Radio and MSN India, along with A R Rahman, have launched five WORLDSPACE stations on MSN India, giving music lovers 24-hour, With this, music lovers will have 24×7 access to the five Worldspace stations, including Farishta (Hindi film classics), Gandharv (Hindustani classical), Sparsha (Kannada), Spandana (Telugu), and Shruti (Carnatic music) at http://www.in.msn.com/worldspace for a monthly fee of $9.9 (Rs 400 approx).
Velu Shankar, senior advisor, content and programming, WORLDSPACE India Pvt Ltd, said, “We believe that with this initiative, we will help bridge the needs of Indians across the globe to be closely connected with their roots and Indian culture, and provide a platform to savor songs online even when they do not have access to WORLDSPACE Satellite Radio.�
“WORLDSPACE has been instrumental in popularising satellite-based digital radio in India,� said Jaspreet Bindra, country manager, online service group, Microsoft India. “This association is part of our commitment to our users in bringing the best of entertainment online. Users now can listen to their favourite music online. Together with WORLDSPACE, we shall continue to provide the best of music to all users.�
A R Rahman, brand ambassador, WORLDSPACE, said, “Technology is breaking barriers and going beyond geographical boundaries helping musicians gain recognition outside India and at the same time, making their music available worldwide. This breakthrough will enable millions of music lovers to stay tuned at all times.�
Elaborating on the partnership, Krishna Prasad, executive producer, MSN India, said, “Now users in India can log on to MSN India and listen to music that is relevant to them, in their own language while experiencing the digital quality that WORLDSPACE offers.”