Factual
BBC World Service’s four new FM relays in Mozambique
MUMBAI: The BBC World Service has launched four new 24-hour FM relays in Mozambique. This will bring BBC programmes in Portuguese and English to listeners across the country.
The BBC has extended its partnership with Radio Mozambique to four provincial capitals where the new relays opened. They are Xai Xai on 100.9 FM, Beira on 100.9 FM, Nampula on 88.3 FM and Quelimane on 95.3 FM (where TV Mozambique is hosting the BBC transmitter).
BBC broadcasting manager for Africa and the Middle East Michel Lobelle was quoted in an official release saying, “The new FM relays represent a milestone in the long established co-operation between the BBC and Radio Mozambique. It is vitally important that our programmes be heard in perfect quality and we are grateful to our partners and our friends at Radio and TV Mozambique for this exciting development.
The BBC World Service has already been broadcasting on 95.5 FM in the country’s capital Maputo since 1998. BBC regional executive editor for Africa and Middle East Kari Blackburn said, “The BBC audience in Maputo increased almost ten times from six per cent in 1995 to 57 per cent in 2001. This was a result of the opening of a BBC World Service FM relay.”
The BBC World Service broadcasts in 43 languages, including Portuguese, in over 200 countries in short wave, medium wave and FM. It has an FM presence in 140 capitals
MUMBAI: India’s most famous hot seat is about to welcome an unlikely first-timer. For the first time on Hindi general entertainment television, industrialist Kumar Mangalam Birla will appear on Kaun Banega Crorepati, the iconic quiz show hosted by Amitabh Bachchan.
The special episode marks a rare meeting point of boardroom heft and prime-time television, bringing one of India’s most influential business leaders face to face with the country’s most enduring screen legend. It is a crossover that blends intellect, leadership and popular culture, all under KBC’s familiar spotlight.
Birla’s appearance dovetails neatly with the show’s current theme, Jahaan Akal Hai, Wahan Akad Hai, which celebrates the confidence that comes from clarity of thought and knowledge. His presence lends weight to the idea that sharp thinking and conviction are as vital in life as they are in the quiz chair.
In a thoughtful conversation with Bachchan, Birla shared an upbeat view of India’s economic journey, pointing to the nation’s rapid growth and the scale of opportunity opening up across industries and communities. He spoke of momentum, ambition and a future shaped by enterprise and ideas.
The episode is not all serious talk. In lighter moments, Birla confessed his long-standing admiration for Bachchan, calling him his favourite actor and admitting to a touch of nervousness at answering questions in front of the Shahenshah himself. The candour adds a human touch to a man more often seen in headlines than on television sets.
The special episode airs on Monday, 29 December at 9.00 pm on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV.
