Interview on Radio Journalism in the social media Age

I'm excited to share that I recently had the opportunity to sit down with  Roshan Zahin for an insightful interview on Radio Journalism, especially in today's era of rapidly evolving social media platforms. 🎙️

Roshan asked some truly thought-provoking questions that really made me reflect on the changing landscape of media and how radio continues to play a vital role. We delved into the challenges and opportunities that arise when traditional journalism meets the dynamic world of social media, and I think you'll find our conversation quite engaging. 📻

A huge thank you to Roshan for her brilliant interview skills and for making me feel so comfortable! 🙏 I truly appreciate her dedication to exploring these important topics.

I also want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the amazing team at Chennai FM Rainbow! Specifically, a massive thank you to Mr. Sudharsan, the Program Head, for his vision and support. Mr. Vignesh, the Program Executive, for his meticulous planning and execution. Ms. Vimala, the Program Assistant, for her invaluable assistance.

You all made this experience truly memorable! 🌟 Don't miss the chance to listen to our English Program! Tune in to 101.4 MHz Chennai FM Rainbow on: April 5th, 2025 (5.4.25) at 8:45 PM and April 12th, 2025 (12.4.25) at 8:45 PM

I hope you enjoy the program as much as I enjoyed being a part of it! Let me know your thoughts after you listen! 😊

#RadioJournalism #SocialMedia #FM #ChennaiFMRainbow #Interview #RoshanZhareen #Media #Broadcasting #ListenNow #DontMissIt #Jaisakthivel #Radio #AllIndiaRadio #Akashvani

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.

World Radio Day Postcard Released

In commemoration of World Radio Day on February 13, a specially crafted postcard featuring All India Radio's Head Quarter's, published by The Postcards Originals, was unveiled at the 'Salt' book stall (Stall No: 60) during the Chennai Book Fair 2024. Renowned Tamil translator and poet, Anuradha Anand, formally released the postcard, which was then received by the youthful postcrosser, Yazhini. This exclusive World Radio Day postcard is available for purchase on The Postcards Originals website.

Book on Ham Radio

The second Tamil book on Ham Radio series will be released on the "Public Service Broadcasting Day (Nov 12)" in the All India Radio, Chennai at 13 Nov 2017, 4.30 pm.

Launching of a website by ALL India Radio for its External Services

All India Radio has launched a multimedia website for its external service. The website airworldservice.org  is presently available in English, Hindi and Urdu languages. The content consists of rich bouquet of news, current affairs, programmes on culture, heritage, music, art, tourism, health-care, issues relating to economy, investment, development, education etc. The website which has a blend of text, pictures, video and audio components, also features live streaming of radio programmes. It also has a segment of “Radio On Demand”.

            The External Services of All India Radio have been broadcasting their programmes in 27 languages (15 foreign and 12 Indian). They are reaching out to more than 140 countries through medium and short wave. Broadcasts are aimed at Indians living abroad as well as others worldwide. The programmes of AIR have wide following as is evident from large number of letters, e-mails received by the different language services. It is mainly for Indian Diaspora and to give the listeners a feel of Home away from home. AIR also broadcast in Bangla, Baluchi, Burmese, Chinese, Dari, Pashtu, Punjabi, Nepali, Saraiki, Sindhi, Sinhala, Tamil and Tibetan for the neighbouring countries. Their objective is to project the progress and policies of India, along with its arts and culture. All Indian nationals living in Kuwait, who are interested to see the external service of All India Radio may log to its website www.airworldservice.org

http://www.indianfrontliners.com/article/22882-launching-of-a-website-by-all-india-radio-for-its-external-services/118-embassy-news

---

Alokesh Gupta, New Delhi

Paranjoti who was All India Radio’s first Station Director

Charming with PR and music

I had known of Victor Paranjoti as founder and Conductor of the Bombay-based Paranjoti Choir and a person passionately involved with Western Classical music in India. What I didn't know was that he started his career in Madras with All India Radio and moved to Bombay where he became a pioneer in the production of house journals, something I was into many years later. It was while searching for some information on All India Radio, Madras (AIR-M) that I caught up with these other facets of Paranjoti.

Picture Courtesy: The Hindu

In Madras, he joined All India Radio in its fledgling days when it operated from a house on Marshall’s Road (opposite the Rajaratnam Stadium). It was Paranjoti who was All India Radio’s first Station Director, Madras, when it began broadcasting on June 16, 1938. Deeply committed to music, he introduced a substantial musical content in the programming, including Western Classical. To improve AIR-M’s programmes, he constantly sought feedback. And for this, he not only visited many a listener’s home but he would also anonymously mingle with the crowds on the Marina, in Panagal Park (T.Nagar) and Mylapore Beach adjoining what is now the Fishermen's and Foreshore Estates - where, from little booths equipped with loudspeakers, AIR-M programmes were broadcast every evening - to get the views of man-in-the-street listeners. In the process, he no doubt honed the skills he was to use in the world he was to move into after 15 years with All India Radio, Madras - the world of Public Relations. But even while working in this world he never lost contact with radio; he did a lot of music programming for AIR-Bombay.

From Madras, Paranjoti moved to Bombay in the 1950s to head the Public Relations Department of ACC Cement, where he introduced one of the first house journals in India. While there, he became the founder president of the Association of Business Communicators of India and played a major role in getting business houses to publish house journals as an essential public relations measure. On retirement, he joined The Times of India as its first national Business Editor and, once again, became a founder president, this time of the Indian Association of Industrial Editors. Moving on from newspapers, he founded his own company to edit house journals for others and produced them for many a leading Bombay company.

It was in 1960 that Paranjoti transformed the Bombay Amateur Light Opera Sabha into the Paranjoti Academy Chorus, whose conductor he was for the rest of his life. It was the first Indian choir to perform in Europe and, in the years that followed, it visited, during Paranjoti's lifetime and his leadership, two dozen countries. Today, it performs abroad at least once a year.

The Paranjoti Choir has sung in 22 languages, including most of the Indian languages, and offers, apart from Western Classical music, spiritual, folk, traditional and modern music. Several of its songs are compositions of Paranjoti. And these too live up to the Choir’s motto: ‘International harmony through international music.’

Source: http://www.thehindu.com/ Via MADRAS MISCELLANY S. MUTHIAH in his "Love this historian" article published on October 26, 2012

Special broadcasts by AIR for Republic Day 2015

All India Radio will broadcast following special programs in connection with the Republic Day celebrations on 26th January, 2015

 

25 January 2015 (Sunday) : Eve of Republic Day

 

1330 UTC (1900 IST) onwards President's address to the nation in Hindi &  English. This will be broadcast by all stations of AIR on MW, SW, FM. Shortly after this broadcast, the local stations will broadcast its translations in local languages.

 

SW frequencies:

 

kHz     kW       Station

 

4760    7          Leh                

4760    8.5       Port Blair                   

4800    50        Hyderabad                  

4810    50        Bhopal           

4820    50        Kolkata                      

4835    10        Gangtok                    

4850    50        KOHIMA                 

4860    50        Shimla           

4880    50        Lucknow                     

4895    50        Kurseong                   

4910    50        Jaipur 

4920    50        Chennai          

4950    50        Srinagar ?      

4970    50        Shillong         

4990    50        Itanagar          

5010    50        Thiruvananthapuram             

5040    50        Jeypore                      

5050    10        Aizawl

6030    250      Delhi               

9380    250      Aligarh

9425    250      Delhi

9870    500      Bengaluru

 

 MW Frequencies : http://www.qsl.net/vu2jos/mw/freq.htm

 FM Frequencies : http://www.qsl.net/vu2jos/fm/airfreq.htm

 

 

26 January 2015 (Monday) : Republic Day:

 

 Running Commentary of Republic Day parade from 0350 UTC (0920 IST) onwards

 :

 

 Hindi : 6155 ( Aligarh 250 kW); 9595 ( Delhi ), 11620 (Bengaluru 500 kW)  (Cancelling External Service in Urdu normally broadcast at this time on these frequencies)

 

English : 6030 ( Delhi 250 kW); 15050 (Bengaluru 500 kW)

 

 Also MW/FM frequencies as per above mentioned links.

 

The following regional stations will change from their Morning frequencies  on 60 Meters (4 & 5 MHz frequencies) to their day time frequencies between  0335-0350 UTC (ie much earlier than usual) as follows :

 

 6000 Leh

 6040 Jeypore ?  (Off air lately)

 6065 KOHIMA

 6085 Gangtok

 6150 Itanagar

 7230 Kurseong

 7295 Aizawl  

 7315 Shillong

 7325 Jaipur 

 7440 Lucknow

 

 The following stations are already scheduled to be on air daily at this time and will also relay the running commentary.

 

 6020 Shimla

 6110 Srinagar ? (off air lately)

 7210 Kolkata

 7290 Thiruvanthapuram

 7380 Chennai

 7390 Port Blair

 7420 Hyderabad

 7430 Bhopal

 

 Please send your reception reports to : spectrum-manager@air.org

 

More details about India ’s Republic Day is in:

 

http://www.knowindia.gov.in/republicday/

 

Happy Republic Day to all DX  India members!

 

 73,

 

Jose Jacob & Alokesh Gupta

 

 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dx_india/

 Join dx_india facebook group at : http://www.facebook.com/groups/dxindia/  

All India Radio, Tirunelveli celebrates its Golden Jubilee

All India Radio, Chennai First Day Cover

All India Radio Chennai celebrates its 75th anniversary. On this special occasion India Post release a special first day cover.

Thanks to Mr, Raja, Chenna and Alokesh Gupta, New Delhi for their effort to collect this cover.
Those who are participate in our DX QUIZ 2013 will receive this special cover.

Veteran broadcaster 'Thenkatchi' Swaminathan passes away

Thenkatchi Ko Swaminathan, the notable radio and television personality, died at a private hospital in the city after a massive heart attack.

Anchoring Inru Oru Thagaval, a five-minute motivation capsule on day-to-day life laced with moral values and good humour that was on AIR for 14-straight years, Swaminathan was a huge hit among listeners when public broadcasting was at its zenith.

An alumnus of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Swaminathan, a native of Thenkatchi village on the banks of Kollidam river, quit government service to be a farmer in his native. After seven years of farming, he joined All India Radio to popularise agricultural programmes for the benefit of the farming community. His scientific background in agriculture and the ability to communicate with his simple style of speech, filled with anecdotes and short stories, reached out to the villagers in a big way.

He began writing at the age of 17 when his first poem was published in the magazine run by Bharatidasan and he continued to write short stories till his death. Swaminathan was asked to anchor Inru Oru Naal' on July 1, 1988. "The station director asked me to host it everyday for a month. I went on to talk for 14 years. All sections of the society liked it. "I was surprised at the response," he said in an interview once. After retiring from service as assistant director after 24 long years in AIR, Swaminathan continued his pep talk shows' on telelvision channels. Indha Naal Iniya Naal in Sun TV was his latest show.

He is survived by his wife and daughter. (TOI Chennai Edition)

All India Radio Home service scedule A09

Now you will access the All India Radio Home service scedule on the following link
http://adxc.wordpress.com/2009/04/02/air-a09-pdf/

All India Radio Pennant

All India Radio Pennant published by Qiao Xiaoli (Chinesh Listener)
http://dx-china.blog.163.com/blog/static/8216325420086122119249/

AIR's 25th anniversary

All India Radio - Here are some items from All India Radio, which began broadcasting in 1936: a first day cover issued on June 8, 1961 in commemoration of AIR's 25th anniversary, an informative pamphlet issued by AIR in connection with the event, and a postcard of the AIR building constructed in New Delhi in 1940. The postcard was sent from Colombo, Ceylon to New York in 1954. (Source: Ontheshortwave.com Mr. Jerry Berg)

All India Radio 7 MHz frequencies to be changed

The frequencies of AIR stations operating between 7105 and 7195 are proposed to be shifted to frequencies on the higher side of the 41 meter band (above 7200 kHz) from the A 2009 broadcasting period.

Something like this in A09 (tentatively) :
KKT 0230-1215 RSW - KKT 7210 50 180
KSG 0415-1045 RSW - KSG 7230 50 150
DEL 0200-0400 Internal-N 7235 50 162
MUM 0415-1215 RSW - MUM 7240 50 90
PAN 0115-0230 Nepali 7250 250 25
GKP 0645-1145 Nep/Urdu 7250 50 15
PAN 1600-1830 Pers/Mal. 7250 250 300 (x7115)
ALG 1300-1545 Dar/Pus/En 7255 250 282
CNI 0645-1215 FM Gold 7270 100 0
CNI 1230-1600 FM Gold 7270 100 0
CNI 0015-0430 FM Gold 7275 100 0
GUW 0415-1145 RSW - GUW 7280 50 130
TVD 0215-1045 RSW - TVD 7290 50 160
AIZ 0415-1115 RSW - AIZ 7295 10 36
DEL 1230-1730 FM Gold 7295 50 162
SHG 0415-1045 RSW - SHG 7315 50 76 (x7130)
JAI 0415-1115 RSW - JAI 7325 50 90 (x7120)
MUM 1230-1730 FM Gold 7325 100 10
IMP 0215-0945 RSW - IMP 7335 50 160 (x7150)
MUM 0015-0430 FM Gold 7340 100 10 (x7195?)
MUM 0615-1200 FM Gold 7340 100 10 (x7195?)
MUM 1230-1730 FM Gold 7340 100 10 (x7195?)
MUM 0015-0430 FM Gold 7345 100 10
MUM 0615-1200 FM Gold 7345 100 10
DEL 0015-0430 FM Gold 7360 50 162
DEL 0615-1200 FM Gold 7360 50 162 (x7170?)
DEL 1230-1730 FM Gold 7360 50 162
DEL 0015-0045 H/E News 7370 50 162 (x7150)
DEL 0045-0200 Sindhi 7370 100 282 (x7125)
DEL 1545-1830 Internal-N 7370 100 154 (x7140)
CNI 0245-1145 RSW - CNI 7380 50 0 (x7160)
CNI 0045-0430 FM Gold 7385 100 0
CNI 0645-1130 FM Gold 7385 100 0
CNI 1230-1730 FM Gold 7385 100 0
PBL 0300-1045 RSW - PBL 7390 10 147 (x7115)
DEL 1300-1530 Dari/Push 7410 250 334
ALG 1600-1730 Hindi 7410 250 282
DEL 1730-2230 GOIV/H/GOV 7410 250 312
GUW 0015-0430 FM Gold 7420 50 130 (x7190?)
HYD 0215-1145 RSW - HYD 7420 50 125 (x7140)
GUW 0615-1200 FM Gold 7420 50 130 (x7190?)
GUW 1230-1730 FM Gold 7420 50 130
BHO 0215-1115 RSW - BHO 7430 50 102 (x7180)
LKW 0415-1045 RSW - LKW 7440 50 72 (x7105)
ALG 0045-0200 Burmese 9950 250 102 (x7165)
(Jose Jacob, VU2JOS)

All India Radio printed Frequency Schedule

Home Services Frequency Schedule

External Services Frequency Schedule

All India Radio now start to send the new programme schedule to their listeners. If you not yet received, contact the following address:

Mr. S.C. Pachuri,
Asst. Director Engg
Spectrum Management & Synergy,
All India Radio,
Room No.204,
Akashvani Bhawan,
Parliament street,
New Delhi-110001 (India).
Tel: 91-11-23421006.
E-mail: spectrum-manager@air.org.in

AIR show gets special commendation at ABU prizes '08

All India Radio's children and youth show 'Our Home, The Planet Earth' has won special commendation at the the Asia Pacific Broadcasting Union's ABU Prizes 2008, announced in Bali on 24 November 2008.

Among the winners in the radio category are - Legacy Disposal Squad (NHK, Japan) - drama, Smile, Joy and Wonderful, Flip The Expectation (KBS, Korea)- infotainment, A Handless City: Viruses and Hands, Which Is More Lethal To Children? (RTHK, Hong Kong) - Children & Youth (Radio), Repeated Abortions (RTHK, Hong Kong) - News (Radio), Two-Year Journey Of Hot Lapindo Mud Flow (RRI, Indonesia) - Documentary (Radio), Let's Go To School (BBC, United Kingdom) - External Broadcasts (Radio) and The Rising Of New Generation Of Chenggis Khan (MNB, Mongolia), which got a special jury prize.

The ABU Prizes, established in 1964 by the first ABU General Assembly, is an international contest for radio and television programmes. The purpose of the contests is to promote the production of radio and television programmes of a high standard, to raise educational and cultural levels, and to strengthen international understanding among the peoples of the countries and areas of the ABU members.

This year, the awards were presented at an awards ceremony held during the 45th ABU General Assembly in the Indonesian capital on 24 November.