History of Radio Broadcasting in India

The Birth of Radio

• The need for radio communication emerged during World War I, leading to the first wireless transmission setup in England and the US.
• Post-WWI, radio broadcasting grew rapidly due to factors such as the birth of radio advertising, radio networks, and radio regulation.

History of Radio in India

• The first radio club in India was established in Calcutta in November 1923.
• Private radio clubs started broadcasting in India, with the first broadcast in Madras on May 16, 1924.
• The British government launched an external broadcast service in 1937 to counter Nazi propaganda.

Development of All India Radio (AIR)

• 1947: AIR became a national broadcaster, covering 11% of the population.
• 1957: Vividh Bharati, a commercial broadcasting service, was launched.
• 1967: Commercials were introduced on AIR.
• 1976: Television services were separated from radio.
• 1977: First FM broadcasting began in Madras.
• 1988: AIR was renamed as Prasar Bharati.
• 1990: The Prasar Bharati Act granted autonomy to the broadcaster.
• 1993: FM channel was launched in Bombay.
• 1997: The Prasar Bharati Act was enacted.

Current Status of AIR

• As of 2023, AIR has 470 broadcasting centers nationwide, covering 90% of the geographical area and 97% of the population.
• AIR originates programming in 23 languages and 179 dialects.
• The News Services Division broadcasts 647 bulletins daily, in nearly 90 languages and dialects.
• AIR operates 18 FM channels, including external services and direct-to-home radio.
• AIR's home service is broadcast in 16 foreign languages, reaching 100 countries.