Stage set for further consolidation in radio

Larger media groups will take the acquisition route to lucrative regional markets

Is the Indian radio industry headed for consolidation? The signs have been getting stronger for sometime now.
 
Last Monday, the government announced the results for one part of the phase-three auctions. The same week saw the announcement of the approximately Rs 480-crore initial public offer of Music Broadcast (Radio City) of the Rs 2,106-crore Jagran Prakashan. While some of this money will go towards debt restructuring, analysts are certain that Radio City will be on the prowl for acquisitions especially in places where group flagship Dainik Jagran (a Hindi newspaper) has its 400-odd editions and sub-editions.
 
Jaykumar Doshi,