Bhubaneswar: Prior to the technological advancements and emergence of television, radio served as the sole broadcasting medium. Initiated by the Radio Club of Bombay, India witnessed its first radio broadcast in June 1923. Indian Broadcasting Company (IBC) became country’s first radio company after 4 years July 23, 1927 which is now celebrated as National Broadcasting Day.
The country had six All India Radio (AIR) stations by the time it got its independence in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Lucknow and Tiruchirapalli and now it AIR has 262 radio stations with seven FM radio stations in Odisha and more than 14 All India Radio stations.
“Broadcasting particularly in India is beyond the touch of time; it encompasses various aspects of every age and touches millions of hearts since time immemorial. In the national stage it was limited to a certain cities of India but later on it has touched every part of our country. ‘Mann Ki Baat’ of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has once again revived the importance of broadcasting media,” said eminent educationist and former news presenter DD Odia and AIR Suvendu Mohanty.
“Broadcasting can never fail in any calamity in comparison to visual medium. In 1999, as I can remember, the devastating Super Cyclone in the state shattered every medium but AIR Cuttack worked which touched thousands of people affected to record and broadcast. We were given very small but powerful recorders by which we were able to reflect their suffering,” he added.
“Now the technology has developed even in broadcasting media, they have become digital which is an advantage but the nuances of initial broadcasting are still alive in the heart of millions. The songs of Lata Mangeshkar, Mohammad Rafi and speeches of Pt Jawaharlal Nehru and veteran persons who are no more with us but we are able to relive the moments through this medium”, Suvendu concluded.
Subrat Pati, a renowned broadcaster and journalist who worked with radio for more than 15 years, said, “Radio broadcasting has observed a remarkable digitization in recent years. People prefer to listen to radio in Radio Garden. The rampant use of internet services has given rise to the popularity of digital platform but it cannot be considered an alternative for radio because radio broadcasting has been available during calamities. Odisha, is prone to cyclones almost every year when people have least access to network and connectivity. It is radio which comes handy as the only mode of communication.”
“There are a lot of restrictions for radio broadcasting in India like the private radios cannot tune in news; hence the popularity of radio broadcasting in India is losing its hold with time. AIR is losing its listeners due to lack of inclusion of advanced technologies. The government should take steps in this regard, he said.
“The importance of radio broadcasting has never gone down because that is a kind of culture and tradition we all have grown with. Technology has advanced and now we have AI as well but it can never replace the originality of pure broadcasting. Listening to radio gives people a special connection they feel with their specific RJs. We are able to address various issues the listeners are dealing with and through radio they are able to speak with us”, said RJ Smita, Red FM.
By Smruti Rekha Barik, OP