WIN 94.6: The Rise and Fall of a Mumbai FM Radio Station
The landscape of urban broadcasting in India saw a unique entry on April 30, 2001, with the launch of WIN 94.6. Operating as a private 24-hour FM radio station in Mumbai, the station sought to establish a strong presence in the city's competitive media market. The name "WIN" was a clever branding choice, derived from the numbers 946 as they appear on a standard telephone keypad.
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Operational Foundation and Management
The station was promoted by Millennium Broadcast, the entity responsible for its strategic growth and operational management. To ensure a professional broadcast quality, WIN 94.6 invested in essential infrastructure, which included a dedicated studio and comprehensive production facilities. To reach its audience across the city, the station utilized a transmission tower strategically located in central Mumbai.
Licensing and Content Agreements
Operating a radio station requires strict adherence to copyright laws. In India, stations must enter into a mandatory agreement with Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL), an organization that manages the rights for content owned by music companies. This agreement grants the station the legal right to broadcast protected musical works.
Millennium Broadcast secured this necessary agreement with PPL, paying a rate of Rs 400 per hour to utilize the music content required for their 24-hour programming cycle.
Expansion Plans and Closure
Following its launch in Mumbai, Millennium Broadcast harbored ambitions for national expansion. The company acquired licenses to establish FM stations in two other major metropolitan hubs: Chennai and Delhi. These stations were scheduled to go live on August 29, 2001.
Despite these growth plans and the established infrastructure in Mumbai, the station's tenure was relatively short. WIN 94.6 officially went off the air on April 30, 2004, marking the end of its three-year broadcast history.
Key Facts
- Launch Date: April 30, 2001.
- Closing Date: April 30, 2004.
- Promoter: Millennium Broadcast.
- Location: Mumbai (with planned expansions to Delhi and Chennai).
- PPL Cost: Rs 400 per hour for music content.
- Branding: "WIN" corresponds to the numbers 946 on a keypad.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Frequency | 94.6 FM |
| Operating Hours | 24 Hours |
| Primary City | Mumbai |
| Infrastructure | Studio, Production Facilities, and Central Mumbai Tower |
| Content Partner | Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name WIN 94.6 stand for?
The name WIN is a reference to the numbers 946 as they are mapped on a standard telephone keypad.
Who promoted the WIN 94.6 radio station?
The station was promoted by Millennium Broadcast.
Why did the station need an agreement with PPL?
An agreement with Phonographic Performance Limited (PPL) is mandatory for radio stations to legally use music content owned by music companies.
Did WIN 94.6 operate in cities other than Mumbai?
While it held licenses to start stations in Chennai and Delhi with a planned launch date of August 29, 2001, its primary operational base was Mumbai.
When did the station cease operations?
WIN 94.6 went off the air on April 30, 2004.