On July 23rd, India will celebrate National Broadcasting Day to recognize the impactful role of radio in our lives. This special day commemorates the beginning of India’s first-ever radio broadcast, “All India Radio (AIR).” To mark this occasion, All India Radio (AIR) will host a symposium in New Delhi, where experts will discuss the significant contribution of broadcasting in shaping modern India and exploring innovative communication methods. It’s a day to honor the rich history and influence of radio in connecting people and sharing information across the nation.
On June 8, 1936, the Indian Broadcasting Company (IBC) underwent a transformation and became All India Radio (AIR). Later, in 1956, the name “Akashvani” was officially adopted for AIR, inspired by Rabindranath Tagore‘s poem titled “Akashvani,” which means “voice or announcement from the skies.” This name change reflects the significance of radio as a medium of communication that reaches people like a voice from the heavens, connecting the nation through the airwaves.
History of Radio Broadcast in India
- 1923: The first radio broadcast in India is made by the Radio Club of Bombay.
- 1927: The Indian Broadcasting Company (IBC) is formed and begins broadcasting from Bombay and Calcutta.
- 1930: The Indian State Broadcasting Service (ISBS) is established by the government, taking over the assets of the IBC.
- 1936: ISBS is renamed All India Radio (AIR).
- 1947: India gains independence. AIR continues to operate as a government broadcaster.
- 1977: FM broadcasting begins in India, with the launch of a station in Chennai.
- 1993: The government privatizes radio broadcasting in India.
- 2023: India celebrates the 100th anniversary of radio broadcasting.
Today, AIR is the largest radio broadcaster in India, with over 420 stations. It broadcasts in 21 languages and 138 dialects. FM broadcasting has also grown rapidly in India, with over 400 private FM stations now in operation.
Radio remains a popular medium in India, with an estimated audience of over 900 million people. It is used for a variety of purposes, including news, entertainment, education, and social and cultural programming.
Significance Of National Broadcasting Day
National Broadcasting Day is celebrated in India on July 23 to mark the beginning of organized radio broadcasting in the country. On this day in 1927, the Indian Broadcasting Company (IBC) made its first broadcast from Bombay. The IBC was a private company, but it was taken over by the government in 1930 and renamed All India Radio (AIR).
AIR has played a significant role in the development of India. It has been used to spread news and information, to entertain and educate the masses, and to promote social and cultural change. Radio has been particularly important in rural areas, where it is often the only source of news and information.
National Broadcasting Day is a day to celebrate the impact of radio on Indian society. It is also a day to reflect on the important role that radio can play in the future of India.
- Spreading news and information: Radio has been a vital source of news and information for people all over India, especially in rural areas. It has helped to keep people informed about current events, both national and international.
- Entertaining and educating the masses: Radio has been a popular source of entertainment and education for people of all ages in India. It has provided people with access to music, stories, plays, and educational programs.
- Promoting social and cultural change: Radio has been used to promote social and cultural change in India. It has been used to raise awareness about important issues, such as poverty, illiteracy, and gender equality. It has also been used to promote traditional Indian culture and heritage.
Radio continues to be a popular medium in India today. It is estimated that over 900 million people in India listen to the radio every day. Radio is a powerful tool that can be used to inform, entertain, and educate people. It is a medium that can be used to promote social and cultural change. National Broadcasting Day is a day to celebrate the impact of radio on Indian society.
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