Celebrating India’s Public Broadcasting Legacy
Those of us in our sixties recall growing up listening to the radio. Be it news, music, or cricket commentary. It continues to remain popular with people, and it is free. India commemorates “National Broadcasting Day” on 23 July. It is a celebration of the evolution of the country’s broadcasting landscape. 23 July is chosen to celebrate the establishment of Indian Broadcasting Company in 1927. In a way, that is the beginning of radio broadcasting in India. Broadcasting in India has undergone significant evolution, and the regulatory framework balances public interest, national security, and the growing demand for diverse content. The capacity to communicate makes humans separate from the rest of the beings. The urge to communicate and share and search for avenues to communicate and radio provides the medium. Radio has adopted and continues to connect as the world becomes more digital. The observation of days like these is a recognition of the contributions of many people who have made it continue to happen, be it engineers, technicians, artists, or enthusiastic listeners. All this makes radio unique.
Radio and television have the power to shape our thoughts and opinions. On National Broadcasting Day, let us celebrate the role of broadcasters in shaping our world.
Shri Amit Shah
Those of us in our sixties recall growing up listening to the radio. Be it news, music, or cricket commentary. It continues to remain popular with people, and it is free. Radio has become an essential medium for sharing information and saving lives during natural calamities. Its reach is more significant than any other medium and has been with us longer than any other broadcast media. Over time, radio broadcasting has also become more interactive, with more radio call‐in shows to encourage participation. It remains reachable and prevalent in rural areas.
India commemorates National Broadcasting Day on 23 July. It is a celebration of the evolution of the country’s broadcasting landscape. 23 July is chosen to celebrate the establishment of Indian Broadcasting Company in 1927. In a way, that is the beginning of radio broadcasting in India. Established in 1936, AIR had only six stations (Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta, Chennai, Lucknow, and Tiruchirappalli). AIR is the largest radio network globally and one of the largest broadcasting organisations in the world in terms of the number of languages broadcast and the spectrum of socio-economic and cultural diversity it serves. AIR’s service is delivered through 591 stations, reaching nearly 92% of the country’s area and ~99% of the total population. AIR originates programming in 23 languages and 146 dialects.
The use of the word ‘Akashvani’ in the context of radio was credited to Prof M. V. Gopalaswami from Mysore. It was later adopted as All India Radio’s on-air name in 1957. Given its literal meaning in Sanskrit (“Voice from the Sky”), it is more than an appropriate name for the broadcaster. The Vividh Bharati Service was launched in 1957. With the emergence of TV and when the popularity of radio waned, FM radio came and gave a rebirth to radio broadcasting. The first FM service began in 1977 in Chennai and has seen extensive expansion during the 1990s. Community radios and local radio stations gave a new dimension to radio broadcasting. The sector has grown substantially recently, and “Community Radio Stations” increased from 140 in 2014 to 481 in 2023. External service started on 1 October 1939. AIR’s External Services Division broadcasts to over 100 countries, projecting India’s voice globally and connecting with the diaspora. Doordarshan and All India Radio used to work together until they separated on 1 April 1976.
Broadcasting in India has undergone significant evolution, and the regulatory framework balances public interest, national security, and the growing demand for diverse content. The new “National Broadcasting Policy” initiated by the government focuses on a robust future for the broadcasting sector. The transmission is digital using Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM), reflecting the need for digitisation.
Amitabh Bachchan, known and adored by millions for his voice, faced rejection when he auditioned for the first time at All India Radio. AIR played its first commercial in 1967, taking it to the commercial era. Prime Minister Shri Modi effectively uses the radio through “Man Ki Bath”, reaching many people.
Due to MannKiBaat, I repeatedly see how the radio can be a great medium to share positivity as well as recognise those who are at the forefront of bringing a qualitative change in the lives of others. I would also like to thank all those who contribute to this programme.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi
The capacity to communicate makes humans separate from the rest of the beings. They urge to communicate and share and search for avenues to communicate. Radio provides the medium. Radio has adopted and continues to connect as the world becomes more digital.
The observation of days like these is a recognition of the contributions of many people who have made it continue to happen, be it engineers, technicians, artists, or enthusiastic listeners. All this makes radio unique.
Toons: Anusha
Logs: M Sai Baba
ToonLogs
ToonLogs, on a similar theme, can be accessed at:
https://niascomm.in/2022/02/16/world-radio-day-2/ https://niascomm.in/2021/02/13/world-radio-day/
