BIG FM Applies To MIB For Six New News Channels, Acquires Sapphire Media’s News Business

BIG FM has applied to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) for permission to launch six digital-first news channels, as it steps up its expansion into news broadcasting. The company has also acquired Sapphire Media’s existing news business, including India Daily 24x7, as part of its plans to build a national news network under BIG News Network.

The proposed expansion will build on BIG FM’s existing news operations, with a focus on combining broadcast reach with digital accessibility. BIG News Network aims to deliver timely and credible news while tapping into hyperlocal reporting, vernacular content and regional perspectives to cater to diverse audiences.

The network also plans to leverage micro-content formats suited to digital consumption, reflecting changing audience preferences and the growing demand for accessible, region-specific news. Through these initiatives, the company aims to establish a wider presence across India’s news broadcasting landscape.

The development aligns with BIG FM’s broader ONE BIG WORLD vision, an AI-powered integrated media ecosystem spanning radio, news, digital platforms, digital out-of-home (DOOH) media and live experiences. The proposed news channels are expected to strengthen the news vertical within this integrated framework.

Commenting on the development, Ashit Kukian, CEO, BIG FM, said, “We see a strong opportunity to grow our presence in the news broadcasting space by bringing together our existing capabilities and new digital-first formats. As audience preferences evolve, our focus is on making news more accessible, relevant and engaging across platforms, languages and regional markets. This expansion is an important step in growing our news business and strengthening its role within the broader ONE BIG WORLD ecosystem.”

With the proposed channels and the acquisition of Sapphire Media’s news business, BIG FM is looking to expand its national and regional footprint, with greater emphasis on local-language journalism and digital-first news formats.