Panjab Radio became one of the UK's first all Punjabi digital radio stations when it launched seven years ago. With output on Sky Digital and various UK regions on DAB, Panjab Radio also expanded its broadcast to Africa, Asia, Australia and the UAE in 2005. We caught up with Surjit Singh Ghuman who set up the station to find out more about the success behind the popularity of Panjab Radio.

When did you launch Panjab Radio?
1st September 2000

Did you have any media experience prior to launching Panjab Radio?
Only as a presenter.

What was your initial goal(s) behind launching Panjab Radio?
My children were my inspiration as I felt that they were being driven away from our culture and language and I wanted to bring it back along with the thousands of other children whose parents were feeling the same thought.

What makes Panjab Radio stand out from your competition?
Panjab Radio is not just "another" Asian Radio, our programmes are catered for by discussing our listeners needs. We are all aware that Panjabi is the second most understood language after English and although we cater for a niche market other ethnic groups listen to Panjab Radio for the content and programming that we have.

What do you think about the vast amount of Panjabi radio stations around today?
Its good to have more Panjabi radios as competition is always healthy.

How has the market changed since you launched Panjab Radio in 2000?
People now have a choice of what they want to listen to as the list of radio station is fast ever growing.

What plans have you got to launch wider the reach of Panjab Radio? Launching on other platforms?
The next step is to launch Panjab Radio in the West Midlands on the DAB platform. Anything else you will have to wait and see but I promise BizAsia.co.uk will be the first to know.

There was some bad press earlier this year about you, which subsequently you were cleared of, could you tell us briefly about this?
These are signs of a successful person.

Did the negative press in anyway affect the community spirit of Panjab Radio’s output?
The community knew the truth as this was not the first time. Panjab Radio has a theme of being family orientated and the immense amount of support we received from our listeners and members never stopped. They believed in Panjab Radio throughout this time, and this can and will never be forgotten.

Digital-only radio stations have spoken about the lack of interest from advertisers due to limited exposure. What other means have you looked at to strengthen your revenues?
Advertisers always look for returns to their investment, and to date they have been very happy advertising on Panjab Radio and continue to do so. Its all about listening to your clients needs and helping them fulfil their goals and achievements too. Giving them that little bit extra to start a better future in there business prospects is what we aim for and if Panjab Radio can have a hand in helping then what other better way is there to advertise.

Has your interest only been within the radio sector or could you be looking at expanding in to other fields such as TV or press?
I am a radio person and I intend to remain in radio. There are so many avenues in radio that can make you successful and I intend to explore each and everyone until I am satisfied I have achieved what I set out to do.

Future plans for Panjab Radio?
Looking to broadcast another service aiming at the young Asian market, Log on to BizAsia.co.uk regularly to find out when.

Quick fire:
- Gurdas Maan / Manmohan Waris
- Alpha ETC Punjabi / Channel Punjab (Don’t watch TV)
- Kabadi / Cricket
- Bollywood / Hollywood (Neither! Pollywood (Panjabi movies))
- Night In / Night Out
- Amitabh Bachchan / SRK (Neither -Lara Dutta)
- Yoga / Gym
- Comedy / Drama