Happy Birthday Radio!

Yes people!Today is the birthday of our very dear friend-Radio!Always reliable,always chirping and always bubbling with energy;its radio's 119th birthday!Hurray!Whenever you are feeling a little low you just have to tune into your radio sets(well its now available in phones also:)and refresh or recharge yourself!Its a unique blend of information and entertainment and most importantly has the ability to bring back memories from the 'good old days',thanks to the songs they play.The vital characteristic of Mr.Radio is that he does not demand attention.You can listen to it while you are driving to office,cooking in the kitchen,ironing your clothes or maybe, even while taking a bath.Thanks to Sir Thomas Edison that this beautiful invention has become a part of our daily dose of entertainment but sadly its value is deteriorating.

All India Radio,popularly AIR was established way back in 1930.At that time,a license was required to listen to the radio as prescribed by the British government.Post-Independence,this broadcasting organisation came under the Ministry of Telecom and Labour.A lot of detailed discussion were carried out whether to name it as AIR or Aakashwani.Although the first priority was Aakashwani,it was feared that it might get mispronounced in the society;so All-India-Radio was finally decided upon,as its initials fitted in perfectly.Well that was long time back but now there are more than 300 stations across the country.

I got the opportunity to visit Aakashwani Hyderabad where we were briefed about the various departments of the unit and the different shows that go on air.It was in fact an amazing experience to know how scripts are drafted,shows scheduled 3 months in advance and the critical role that every personnel plays in the making of one simple show.Show formats range from the usual music,skits,documentaries,quizzes,countdowns, etc to specific ones for families,women,industries,children,farmers,devotees,youth and ofcourse the news savvy.Radio production involves three major stages of planning,production and execution.AIR gives 510+ news bulletins in 52 hours and 82 languages,the 1st of which was aired from the then Bombay station on 23rd July 1927.
The latest development is the Digital Radio Transmission,established 16th January 2009,that involves significant improvement in the reception and coverage of AIR programmes.

I conclude with the hope that we soon realise that Radio is the most effective form of communication and entertainment.Lets not forget its role during emergencies and natural calamities.Long Live Radio!(Information Courtesy:Mr.Raja Rao,Station Director,Aakashwani,Hyderabad)