Radio has been the lesser son of Communication for some time. For the past two decades radio has taken a back seat, because of the advent of visual media, Television primarily. If we just imagine how long has it been that we heard the radio broadcast sitting on our couch, the answer would be ’’its been long time’’. So truly its been a long time, but all the blame shouldn’t be put on Television. Quality of Programs does take equal amount of blame.
All India Radio, fondly called AIR, was up in 1923, under British Rule. It had started as Amateur Radio Club in Calcutta, but just by the end of that decade it had spread its wind all over India.
AIR currently transmits radio programs on MW, SW and on FM (Frequency Modulation) band, the two former frequency runs on AM (Amplitude Modulation). FM channels came to being in the year 1994, till then AM was the only means of radio broadcast. AM being low on clarity and high on range of transmission was thought to be more viable till 1995.
The AM channels both MW and SW, that AIR broadcasts, is usually for the whole State. With SW you can even receive transmissions from other states broadcasting station. But its the MW channel that pre-dominantly caters the need for local language needs. AIR broadcasts starts its transmission by 5.30 a.m., and continues till 11.30 p.m., with a few short breaks in between. Recently, I was enlightened with a article reading that currently AIR goes on for 24/7 schedule. SW usually caters for across state audience and at a few occasion caters the need for audience even outside our national boundaries.
The FM channels are meant for city broadcasts only. After getting privatized is the most listened channel. In Delhi its still its AIR that broadcasts 2 FM channels, but in other states we have a few Private players too. Out of them two are worth mentioning, FM 91(Bangalore) & FM Mirchi(Bombay). These two have led a new revolution, by providing excellent Programs, along with high quality transmission. These two channels are meant for the X & Y generations, but our dear elders too can remember their youthful times listening to them ;).
Of late AIR is losing its taste and quality, though nothing personal, but the current Govt. is not taking adequate steps to regain the lost glory of the AIR and the radio. Though few of the measures are a welcome change considering the change in the old stagnating policy prevailed till now. Recently Govt. has allowed private broadcasters to uplink for FM channels. Community radio service is also opened, to NGO’s and Universities.
But these policies only put more pressure on AIR, without anything to strengthen them.
Lets pray that the Govt. do something to change the core of AIR, and let us enjoy the radio, which I believe, we are losing.