All India Radio network expansion

In News

• Prime Minister virtually inaugurated Low Power FM Transmitters of capacity of 100 Watt at 91 locations across the country, thus adding 2 crore listeners to All India Radio network.

About

• Left Wing Extremism hit areas, Aspirational Districts and border areas of the country have been given priority for the installation of the new transmitters.
• The transmitters will act as a conduit to carry information about the programmes and policies of the government as well as entertainment related content to the corners of the country.

Significance

• The inauguration of the 91 FM transmitters is expected to benefit underprivileged individuals who have previously lacked access to this facility.
• This will strengthen cultural connectivity as well as intellectual connectivity.
• It will give a push to digital entrepreneurship in villages. Digital India has not only given new listeners to the radio but a new thought process as well
• This could be linked to the strength of the country and the collective power of the duty among the countrymen.
• The radio has come to the fore in innovative ways through podcasts and online FM.

Conclusion

• As India continues to enhance its FM connectivity, the government remains committed to democratizing technology and promoting social connectivity. The addition of these new transmitters will ensure more people can access vital information, entertainment, and cultural content, ultimately strengthening the nation through continuous dialogue.

All India Radio 

• All India Radio, formally known as Akashvani since 1957, is India’s national public radio broadcaster and a branch of Prasar Bharati.
• It was founded in 1936 and is the sister service of Doordarshan, an Indian television broadcaster owned by Prasar Bharati.
• All India Radio (AIR) is the country’s most well-known public service radio station.
• It is run by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
• Its slogan is ‘Bahujan Hitaya: Bahujan Sukhaya,‘ which translates to ‘serving, educating, and entertaining the public.’

Source: PIB