Daily Current Affairs : 24-July-2023
July 23 is a significant day for media enthusiasts in India as it marks the National Broadcasting Day, celebrating the establishment of All India Radio (AIR). AIR, often referred to as Akashvani, is India’s Public Service Broadcaster and is an integral part of Prasar Bharati, a statutory autonomous body under the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. Let’s delve into the rich history and organizational structure of this iconic broadcasting institution.
A Historical Journey
The roots of All India Radio can be traced back to July 23, 1927, when the Indian Broadcasting Company (IBC) was formed. In 1930, the famous Akashvani tune, which has now become an inseparable part of India’s cultural heritage, was composed by Walter Kauffman, an Indian Jewish refugee. Over the years, the broadcasting service underwent several changes and in 1936, it was rechristened as All India Radio (AIR).
During British India in 1941, AIR came under the purview of the Department of Information and Broadcasting. Notably, in 1956, the name ‘Akashvani’ was officially adopted by the national broadcaster, inspired by Rabindranath Tagore’s poem of the same name written in 1938. This name change reflected the essence of the medium, as it translates to ‘voice or announcement from the skies.’
Recent Developments
In recent times, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) took a decision to enforce a provision of the law, stating that the radio vertical of Prasar Bharati would be referred to as ‘Akashvani’ exclusively. This move aimed to reinforce the historical significance of the institution and preserve its cultural identity.
Organizational Structure
All India Radio operates under the Directorate General, which functions as a part of Prasar Bharati. The latter is a statutory autonomous body established in 1997, and it serves as the Public Service Broadcaster of the country under the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting.
Three-Tier Broadcasting System
One of the notable features of AIR is its three-tier broadcasting system, catering to distinct audiences at the national, regional, and local levels. This approach ensures that a diverse range of programs reaches the vast and varied population of India.
- National Level: At the national level, AIR broadcasts programs that have broader appeal and relevance to the entire nation. These programs cover topics like current affairs, national news, cultural events, and more.
- Regional Level: Moving to the regional level, AIR focuses on content that caters to specific states or regions. This includes regional news, cultural shows, language-specific programs, and regional music.
- Local Level: The local level of broadcasting targets communities within specific cities or towns. These programs often revolve around local news, events, and community interests.
Global Reach
Over the years, All India Radio has evolved into one of the world’s largest broadcasting networks. Through its External Services Division, AIR transmits programs in 11 Indian languages and 16 foreign languages, spanning over 100 countries. This outreach has enabled India to connect with a global audience, promoting its culture and heritage to the world.
Important Points:
- National Broadcasting Day in India celebrated on July 23.
- All India Radio (AIR) is India’s Public Service Broadcaster, part of Prasar Bharati.
- AIR’s history traces back to the Indian Broadcasting Company (IBC) established on July 23, 1927.
- The famous Akashvani tune composed by Walter Kauffman in 1930.
- In 1936, the Indian State Broadcasting Service became All India Radio (AIR).
- AIR came under the Department of Information and Broadcasting in British India in 1941.
- In 1957, the Vividh Bharati Services started.
- AIR officially known as ‘Akashvani’ since 1956, inspired by Rabindranath Tagore’s poem.
- Ministry of Information and Broadcasting decided to enforce ‘Akashvani’ as the exclusive name for Prasar Bharati’s radio vertical.
- AIR operates under the Directorate General of Prasar Bharati, established in 1997.
- Three-tier broadcasting system: National, Regional, and Local levels with distinct audiences.
- AIR’s programs from the External Services Division are broadcast in 11 Indian and 16 foreign languages, reaching more than 100 countries.
- AIR’s global outreach has contributed to India’s cultural expression and communication prowess.
Why In News
On July 23, India celebrated National Broadcasting Day, commemorating the transformative power of radio and television in shaping the nation’s cultural and historical narratives. This significant occasion serves as a reminder of the indispensable role that broadcasting continues to play in connecting millions of people across the diverse landscapes of India.
MCQs about National Broadcasting Day
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What day is celebrated as National Broadcasting Day in India?
A. July 23
B. October 2
C. August 15
D. January 26
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What is the official name of India’s Public Service Broadcaster?
A. Vividh Bharati
B. Prasar Bharati
C. All India Radio
D. Akashvani
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Which poet’s poem inspired the name ‘Akashvani’ for All India Radio?
A. Kalidas
B. Rabindranath Tagore
C. Sarojini Naidu
D. Mirza Ghalib
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Which broadcasting system does All India Radio (AIR) follow?
A. Dual-tier system
B. Single-tier system
C. Two-tier system
D. Three-tier system
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