Channel 2 bets big on internet radio; Kapil Dev launches Cricketfreeq.com

Channel 2 Group has acquired exclusive radio broadcast rights for some of the world's leading sports properties including ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, Barclays English Premier League Football, The Dutch League, World Cup Rugby, Wimbledon and Australian Open Tennis and US Open and major Professional Golf Tours such as US PGA, The Masters, Ryders and more.

As a part of its broadcasting of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011, Channel 2 Group's internet radio platform for cricket, www.cricketfreeq.com, was launched by cricket legend Kapil Dev in Mumbai today. www.cricketfreeq.com is India's first Internet Radio Channel on Cricket, featuring Kapil Dev, Sunil Gavaskar and Sir Clive Lloyd as expert commentators.

Speaking on the occasion, Ajay Sethi, Chairman, Channel 2 Group, said, "We plan to emerge as the largest sports internet radio player globally by 2015. Initially we plan to build a global audience for cricket and then subsequently launch platforms for other sports. The power of internet radio is that it allows the broadcast to capture audiences of common diasporas across geographies. Radio has traditionally been a local medium, but with the advent of 3G and high broadband speeds there is a potential to transform radio into a glocal media with seamless integration across devices and platforms including terrestrial radio"

"In addition to creating multi-engagement platforms using a mix of radio and other interactive content, we will work with legends in different sports to add the expert edge. We plan to invest USD 30 million in the first phase of the project. We will look for strategic investors in different markets or verticals as we grow" added Amit Tripathi, Director CricketFreeq.

"www.cricketfreeq.com will offer ball-by-ball cricket updates and analysis of all matches. It will also offer games, contests and other interactive content for cricket fans along with prizes worth over USD One Million during the World Cup." added Tripathi.

The company has tied-up with Reliance Communications (RCOM) as its exclusive partner to distribute its broadcast content on mobile networks across the world. The company will leverage RCOM's extensive pan-India as well as global telecom infrastructure to deliver the internet radio channel to a vast group of cricket lovers across the globe.

Its global content tie-ups with leading terrestrial radio channels include Sirius XM, North America, Channel4 Radio Network for Middle East, CMC Corporation Caribbean.

Key sponsors for www.cricketfreeq.com for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011 include MoneyGram for its three-nation Cricket for Peace concerts, SpiceJet and Travel Port.