A Powerhouse of Global Broadcasting

 

The Shortwave Transmitters of SPT, AIR, Bangalore

Shortwave broadcasting, a testament to technological innovation, offers a unique and cost-effective method to reach global audiences over vast distances. Leveraging the power of radio waves, it has been a cornerstone of international communication for decades. Recognizing the enduring potential of this medium, the Government of India initiated a project to strengthen its external services by establishing a state-of-the-art shortwave transmission facility in Bangalore.

A Strategic Location

Bangalore, a city renowned for its technological prowess, was strategically chosen as the site for this ambitious project. Its favorable geographical location and robust infrastructure made it an ideal choice for setting up a high-power shortwave transmission complex. The facility, operated by All India Radio (AIR), houses a network of powerful transmitters capable of broadcasting Indian perspectives and cultural heritage to a global audience.

The heart of the Bangalore complex lies in its six 500-kilowatt shortwave transmitters. These cutting-edge devices, employing Pulse Step Modulation (PSM) technology, are among the most powerful in the world. Their advanced design and digital control systems enable efficient and reliable operation, ensuring seamless transmission of high-quality audio signals.

The complex boasts an impressive aerial system comprising 36 multi-band curtain antennas. These antennas, strategically positioned on towering structures, can be electronically steered to target specific regions of the globe. This flexibility allows for precise beamforming, optimizing signal strength and minimizing interference.

Broadcasting for the World

All India Radio's External Services Division (ESD) utilizes the Bangalore facility to broadcast a diverse range of programs in 23 languages. These programs, tailored to specific target audiences, aim to:

Promote India's perspective on global affairs. By providing insightful analysis and commentary on current events, ESD seeks to foster understanding and cooperation among nations. Strengthen cultural ties. Through the dissemination of Indian music, literature, and traditions, ESD aims to bridge cultural divides and promote intercultural exchange. By providing news, educational programs, and public service announcements, ESD empowers listeners and contributes to social development.

A Legacy of Innovation

The shortwave transmitters at SPT, AIR, Bangalore represent a significant milestone in India's broadcasting history. They stand as a testament to the country's commitment to global communication and cultural exchange. As technology continues to evolve, this facility will undoubtedly play a vital role in shaping India's international image and strengthening its connections with the world.

But unfortunately recently they stopped to broadcast lot of languages due to the budget cut.

The producer of the "World Radio" DX program has passed away.

 We must not overlook certain individuals in our lives, and the late N.C. Gnanaprakasam (NCG) Sir was undoubtedly one such person. He played a pivotal role in my radio journey, a statement not made lightly.

For eight years, he accompanied me on my All India Radio Chennai station ventures, supporting my studies by granting me the opportunity to work part-time while pursuing my Master's in Journalism at Madras University.

When the idea of initiating a Tamil program akin to the DX PROGRAM, exclusively heard on foreign English radio stations, crossed my mind, Mr. NCG was the first person I thought of. At the time, he served as the program producer for All India Radio's external service, "Thiraikadal Adivarum Tamil Nadham."

Assigned to produce and present the "Radio World" program, he promptly granted permission without hesitation. The 54-week show garnered a global following due to our unique practice of sending the World's Smallest QSL Card to listeners who sent letters and Reception Reports.

Some international listeners even sent US dollars along with their letters, earmarked for purchasing airmail stamps. I vividly recall Mr. NCG's words on that occasion, expressing amazement that people worldwide were contributing dollars for a Tamil radio program.

The program, later titled "World Radios," was published as a book by NCBH, with Mr. NCG being the first to present and commend it.

A ten-page letter of appreciation in English for the "Vanoli Ulagam" program prompted astonishment from the director, Mr. Sreenivasaraghavan. Upon investigation, it was revealed that the letter, written by Mr. Balasubramaniam, marked the beginning of a lasting friendship.

Mr. NCG played a significant role in fostering connections, consistently reaching out whenever my articles appeared in magazines or newspapers. His warmth and affection during those morning calls left an indelible mark.

Our collaborative efforts in documenting the cinema industry, particularly through programs like "Cinema Neram" and "Nenjam Marappathillai" on FM RAINBOW, could fill multiple volumes if written today. Regrettably, no program archives exist due to recordings being on spool tapes.

Memories, such as a Diwali special program with actress Simran, remain etched in my mind. Despite a mishap with the spool tape, Simran's gracious assistance in re-recording the audio conveyed a valuable lesson without reproach.

Numerous recollections flood my thoughts, making it impractical to detail them all here. Reason has been a constant guiding force in my life. The void left by NCG is immeasurable. Who will now call to acknowledge the publication of my articles in the newspaper?

Regardless of the task at hand, NCG consistently sought opinions, irrespective of age, teaching us the importance of seeking counsel.

NCG was recuperating at Salem Gokulam Hospital post-surgery. Regrettably, he departed on Thursday, 25-1-24, at 12:30 am. His remains will be transported to Chennai and kept at Lloyd's Colony house until 3 pm tomorrow.

His loss is irreplaceable, and expressing condolences to his family during this difficult time feels inadequate. My deepest sympathies to Revathi Madam, Sister Karpagam, Sabari, and Mr. Rajamani Sir.

Research Book on All India Radio

 

அகில இந்திய வானொலிக்காக ஒரு ஆய்வுப் புத்தகம்.

**

We are now publishing a book on All India Radio, following our success with BBC, CMG Tamil - China Radio International, Radio Veritas Asia , and CIR - Sri Lankan Broadcasting Corporation. We invite articles from radio listeners, journalists, and researchers. Submit articles by November 30, 2023, for publication in a book with an ISBN code.

பிபிசி, சீன வானொலி, வேரித்தாஸ் வானொலி மற்றும் இலங்கை வானொலிகளைத் தொடர்ந்து தற்பொழுது அகில இந்திய வானொலிக்காக மற்றும் ஒரு ஆய்வுப் புத்தகம்.

நேயர்கள், ஊடகவியலாளர்கள் மற்றும் ஆய்வாளர்களிடம் இருந்து கட்டுரைகளை வரவேற்கிறோம். கட்டுரையை 30-11-2023 முன் அனுப்பி வைக்கலாம்.

தெரிவு செய்யப்படும் கட்டுரைகள் ISBN குறியீட்டுடன் வெளியிடப்படும்

Special AIR programmes on 70th Indo-Russia ties anniversary

The All India Radio (AIR) will broadcast special programmes on its domestic and external network to mark the 70th anniversary of Indo-Russia diplomatic relationship.

Details at :
http://www.india.com/news/agencies/special-air-programmes-on-70th-indo-russia-ties-anniversary-2022689/

Via Alokesh Gupta

ART OF BROADCASTING - Book Release

"Art of Broadcasting" a Tamil book jointly written by Mr.Ko.Selvam and Mr.Vijaya Thiruvendam (Former AIR Directors) in Dept. Journalism and Communication, University of Madras, on 22 Sep 2016 at 11.00 am.

New website of Prasar Bharati

New website of Prasar Bharati, Civil Construction Wing

http://ccwprasarbha rati.nic. in/

Lot of photo's of AIR Txers/Buildings in the photo gallery section :

http://ccwprasarbha rati.nic. in/gallery. asp?langid= 1

(Alokesh Gupta,New Delhi, India)

All India Radio on SW (Home & External Services) A-2009 by VU2JOS

Click here to access the A09

or here for all the A09 Schedules

ADXC A09

EC allocates time for poll broadcasts on DD, AIR

Politcal parties are given 110 hours of broadcast facillity by the Election Commission (EC).

The parties will get a total of 10 hours on Doordarshan and AIR. They will get initially 45 minutes each, but the remaining four hours and 45 minutes will be divided among them in proportion to the percentage of votes polled by them in the last general elections. The parties will have to follow certain guidelines, the Commission has said.

Even as the EC has permitted seven national political parties and 39 state parties to use Doordarshan and All India Radio to make election broadcasts for the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls, it has said the transcript of any political advertisement by any party in Hindi, English or regional languages should be submitted to the office of the screening committee in the office of the Central Election Commission in Delhi.
Read more on www.indiantelevision.com

AIR Changes in A09

Shifting of AIR freq’s from 7100-7200 kHz Band wef 29th March,2009
AIR changes for A09 - Regional SW Transmitters

Station Time (IST) Time (UTC) Freq(kHz) Old New
———— ——— ——— ——— ———
Bhopal 0755-1600 IST 0225-1030 UTC 7180 7430
Chennai 0830-1700 IST 0300-1130 UTC 7160 7380
Hyderabad 0755-1715 IST 0225-1145 UTC 7140 7420
Imphal 0800-1530 IST 0230-1000 UTC 7150 7335
Jaipur 1130-1645 IST 0600-1115 UTC 7120 7325
Lucknow 0945-1615 IST 0415-1045 UTC 7105 7440
Port Blair 0845-1615 IST 0315-1045 UTC 7115 7390
Shillong 1000-1615 IST 0430-1045 UTC 7130 7315

Reports to : spectrum-manager@ air.org.in
- Alokesh Gupta, New Delhi