Akashvani, formerly All India Radio (AIR), marked 90 years since its renaming on 8 June 1936. Originally established as the Indian State Broadcasting Service (ISBS) in 1930, the network evolved from private radio clubs in the 1920s into one of the world’s largest broadcasting organizations. It operates under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and has functioned as an autonomous body under Prasar Bharati since 1997.
Organizational Reach and Services
- Scale: Operates 591 stations, covering 92% of India’s geographical area and 98% of its population.
- Linguistic Diversity: Broadcasts in 23 languages and 146 dialects.
- Vividh Bharati: Launched on 3 October 1957 to provide popular entertainment and film music; introduced commercial advertisements in 1967.
- News & External Services: The News Services Division broadcasts over 647 daily bulletins. The External Services Division projects India’s voice globally, broadcasting in 27 languages (including 15 foreign) to over 100 countries.
- Modernization: Transitioning from analog to Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) technology and providing digital access via the NewsOnAIR app.
IASPOINT Booster Facts
- Motto: Bahujan Hitaya Bahujan Sukhaya (“For the happiness of many, for the welfare of many”).
- Signature Tune: Composed in 1936 by Czech composer Walter Kaufmann.
- Public Service Broadcasting Day: Celebrated on 12 November to commemorate Mahatma Gandhi’s only live radio broadcast in 1947.
- Historical Milestone: The name ‘Akashvani’ was officially adopted in 1956, inspired by a poem by Rabindranath Tagore.