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All India Radio (AIR) completed 80 years on this 8th June. On this day in 1936 the Indian State Broadcasting Service became All India Radio. From then it has been a roller coaster ride for the broadcaster which took on another name in 1956: Akashvani.
The term “Akashvani” was coined by M V Gopalaswamy which was later changed to AIR. There were 6 radio stations – Delhi, Bombay, Calcutta, Madras, Lucknow and Tiruchi. Reportedly, in 1947, Akashvani covered 2.5 per cent area and reached 10 per cent population of the country but as per the latest information given by Information and Broadcasting Ministry; it covers 99 per cent of India. The first commercial channel of India, Vividh Bharti was started on October 3, 1957.
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Not only AIR, Radio in general is on a growth trajectory in India. The number of stations is also increasing with increasingly relaxed government policy.
At present there are over 250 private Radio Stations across the country operated by about 50 broadcasters. About 200 Community Radio Stations are operating in the country. This number is likely to increase many folds as the Government has relaxed the licensing rules and is promoting it actively. Source : DD News
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