Dr. L. Murugan, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, today inaugurated the 10 kW FM transmitter station established by Prasar Bharati at Vidyanagar in Shivamogga. On this occasion, Shri B.Y. Raghavendra, Member of Parliament for Shivamogga Lok Sabha constituency and others were present.

Speaking after the inauguration, Hon’ble Minister Dr. L. Murugan stated that the Union Government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, is committed to delivering facilities to the last person of the country. This can be seen in many pro-people schemes. Today's program is also a step taken in the direction of people's welfare. The 10 kW FM transmitter station inaugurated today is a gift to Shivamogga and Bhadravathi. The Minsiter said that this is the voice of the people here and will help in broadcasting information about government schemes throughout the district.

Speaking further, as Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi said, ‘For many people, radio is a timeless helpline.’ Radio is a link that connects people through news, information, storytelling, music and the unveiling of culture. It is a powerful medium that reflects creativity. Previously, only those with media knowledge used to become content creators. But now, everyone has a mobile. Therefore, everyone has become a content creator. Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's vision is to turn this creativity into a systematic economy. The Minister informed that this has been named the Orange Economy and as part of this, the Union Finance Minister has announced in this year’s budget about establishing 15,000 Creative Labs in schools and colleges across the country.

Highlighting the significance of All India Radio, the Minister said, the influence of Akashvani across the country is immense. Before the era of television and social media, Akashvani was a household name through its unique programs and news. It is special that this medium always emphasizes locality and local language-culture. Akashvani is a reliable medium for timely and accurate information during emergency situations like natural disasters. ₹2500 crore has been earmarked for the development, expansion of broadcasting media and the creation of creative content. The Minister said that under the leadership of Union Minister for Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Akashvani is adopting digital technology from analogue, through which further excellence can be seen in sound technology.

Currently, there are 591 Akashvani stations in the country, spanning across 92% of the country's geographical area and reaching 91% of the population. It is conducting broadcasting operations in 23 languages, 182 dialects, Medium, Short and Digital wavelengths in urban, rural and border areas. Its news, current affairs, programs on entertainment, agriculture, youth, sports and science are always special and diverse. Podcast channels named ‘Akashvani Podcast’ and ‘Akashvani Originals’ have also commenced operations. Radio is also playing a special role in community development and 558 Community Radio stations are active in the country. Currently, 14 programming and 10 other stations are functioning in Karnataka. The Minister said that the Bhadravathi Akashvani station, which has a range of 3500 sq. km., is reaching the people of Shivamogga, Davangere, and parts of Dakshina Kannada.

In the direction of further strengthening Akashvani in Karnataka, grants have been provided to upgrade the transmitter stations in Bengaluru, Mangaluru, Mysuru and Dharwad and development works will be undertaken according to the demands of the people. The Minister stated that the local MPs and MLAs have proposed the installation of radio sets in public parks, which will be examined and assistance will be provided to implement it on a pilot basis.

 

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