NEW DELHI: A radio station is to be launched especially for the Gay and Lesbian Community in India (LGBT) by Radiowalla.in, India‘s first direct-to-consumer multi-channel Internet radio platform.

The channel will be available 24x7 via any broadband connected device and mobile phones with a data plan through mobile apps for android, iOS, Blackberry and java feature phones. Radiowalla.in, launched recently, already has over 20 radio stations carefully created and curated by professionals with a wide range of music, non-music and talk shows with personalities like ‘The Kiran Bedi Show‘ and others.

According to a TNN report on the Gay population in India, if the most conservative western estimate of 2 per cent is taken and extrapolated on the Indian population in the assumption that gayness is universal, the Indian gay community - including men and women - would at least be over 20 million strong, which is larger than some of the minority communities in India.

"One of the main objectives of Radiowalla.in, as a platform, is to cater to special interests of a population not being addressed by mainstream media adequately and that of Inclusion of all through the diverse channels offered on this radio platform. I believe that the Gay and Lesbian population can benefit from a space of their own. This community has style, they are upwardly mobile, they are coming out to show the nation that they belong and have to be accepted and it is about time they get a voice of their own in the national discourse. I am delighted at this decision to have their participation as part of our offering," said Anil Srivatsa, CEO and co-founder of the parent company of Radiowalla.in.

"Anyone wanting to be a part of this can contact us and we will introduce them to the creative agency. Radiowalla.in is looking to bolster its team with members of the Gay and Lesbian community with a passion for this medium, experience and the flair for radio and help make this a channel that not only embodies the spirit and issues of the community but a channel that will be attract everyone to tune in. This will be a very Cool channel," Anil added.

The channel content plan will include the eclectic musical taste of the community from around the world, live-talk format call-in shows on fashion, lifestyle and social issues. It will also include interviews with prominent leaders of the community who are now role models of society, pop culture, entertainment, activism and counseling.

"We would love the South Asian LGBT community around the world to contribute, participate and also add to this channel with more of their own content to be part of our offering on Radiowalla.in," said Harry Bhatia, the other co-founder.

Reacting to this news, popular playwright and director Mahesh Dattani said: "Radio has the power to reach out and communicate effectively through dialogue, discourse and outreach. The LGBT community I am sure will make good use of it to build their identity and address issues that concern them specifically. Communities all over the world ranging from farmers, religious sects, women, linguistic minorities etc. have benefitted greatly by the power of this medium. This is a step in the right direction towards a more sophisticated and egalitarian society."

NEW DELHI: The Sri Lanka Premier League (SLPL) is to be broadcast live on www.radiowalla.in. and on the official Face book pages of Radiowalla, SLPL and the official website of SLPL.

The venture will be marketed as SLPL Radio powered by Radiowalla.

Radiowalla is a direct-to-consumer radio service which offers a variety of special interest, mood enhancing Internet radio channels that indulge audiences worldwide. Radiowalla offers music and non-music streaming audio channels delivered via broadband across most digital and mobile platforms.

The SLPL Live commentary has commenced and will continue throughout the series ending 31 August. The commentary will be delivered by a team of professional commentators and amateurs.

Radiowalla Network CEO and co-founder Anil Srivatsa said, ?It would be great fun for listeners all over the world to be able to tune in and keep abreast with the game while engaged in other activity like work or social engagements. Access through our mobile apps will greatly enhance the reach and portability of the broadcast.?

The 2012 Mahindra Sri Lanka Premier League season is the debut edition of the Mahindra Sri Lanka Premier League, established by Sri Lanka Cricket in 2011. The season will run from 11 August to 31 August 2012.The tournament has a group stage and a knockout stage. The seven teams play a single round-robin tournament in the group stage and the top four teams qualify for the semifinals.

All of the matches in the tournament will be played at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy and R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.

Sommerset Entertainment Ventures (Singapore) chairman SandiipBhaamar said, ?We are delighted to be associated with radiowalla.in for the On-line audio commentary for the Mahindra SLPL. Commentary is a critical component for building a fan base for the SLPL worldwide given that commentary has traditionally associated with cricket more than any other sport in the sub-continent, and our partnership with radiowalla.in will ensure that as the SLPL grows, on-line commentary will keep in line with that tradition and will continue to add numbers to that growth trajectory.?