Celebrating a Century of Sound with Stamp

Slovakia’s Radio Broadcasting Milestone

This commemorative Slovakian postage stamp celebrating a monumental milestone: 100 Rokov Rozhlasového Vysielania na Slovensku (100 Years of Radio Broadcasting in Slovakia). Priced at €1.90, this finely detailed stamp honors a century of audio history. It highlights how deeply radio is woven into the cultural fabric of the nation. For generations, the airwaves have connected people across cities, mountains, and rural villages.

The focal point of the stamp is the iconic Slovenský Rozhlas (Slovak Radio) building located in Bratislava. Completed in 1983, this striking, upside-down pyramid is a masterpiece of late modernist architecture. The stamp brilliantly captures its geometric, steel-framed structure using bold red and blue outlines. This design choice highlights how the building itself stands as a symbol of technological innovation and artistic expression.

Radio in Slovakia has served as far more than just a source of daily background noise. Over the past one hundred years, it has acted as a vital pillar for culture, education, entertainment, and information. Through historic political shifts, social transformations, and wartime eras, the microphone remained a reliable voice of truth and community resilience for the Slovak people.

The stamp's backdrop features soft, undulating green and blue lines that represent invisible radio waves flowing across the landscape. This elegant visual metaphor illustrates how broadcasting bridges physical distances to unite the country. The inclusion of a small transmission tower at the peak of the pyramid emphasizes the literal and symbolic height of media's reach.

Issued in 2026, this commemorative stamp is a prized collector's item for both philatelists and history enthusiasts alike. It serves as a beautiful visual tribute to the pioneers, journalists, and artists who shaped Slovakia's sonic heritage. As technology continues to shift toward digital streaming, this stamp stands as a reminder that the spirit of radio remains timeless.

If you prefer to order via mail, use the addresses below:

Slovenská pošta Headquarters (For Mail Orders/Inquiries):
Slovenská pošta, a. s.
Partizánska cesta 9
975 99 Banská Bystrica
Slovakia
Email Support: customerservice@slposta.sk

50 years of Italy radio

 Italy recently marked a significant milestone in its media history by issuing a commemorative postage stamp to celebrate 50 years of local radio and television broadcasting. On 29 July 2026, the Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy released this special stamp as part of the "Italy’s Cultural Heritage Excellence" series, following a proposal by the broadcasting association Aeranti-Corallo. Much like how India celebrates its rich history of All India Radio and Doordarshan through philately, Italy's postal service, Poste Italiane, released a full suite of collector items—including first-day covers, postcards, and special philatelic folders—to honor the country's local media pioneers.

The release commemorates a groundbreaking legal moment on 28 July 1976, when Italy’s Constitutional Court ruled (no. 202) to open up the airwaves for independent, local broadcasting. This pivotal decision allowed grassroots channels and community radio stations to flourish alongside national broadcasts. For an Indian audience familiar with the incredible diversity of regional television and FM radio stations across various states and languages, this Italian milestone reflects a similar democratic spirit—where regional voices get a platform to highlight hyper-local news, culture, and community life.

The stamp itself, printed by the Istituto Poligrafico e Zecca dello Stato on high-quality coated paper using rotogravure, stands as a tribute to an industry that transformed over five decades. What began as small-scale, pioneering broadcasting efforts has evolved into dynamic multimedia enterprises spanning digital, satellite, and online platforms. Beyond preserving local culture and fostering civic engagement, these media outlets have grown into crucial economic hubs that generate significant employment and offer career pathways for creative and technical talent.

Describing the release, Marco Rossignoli, coordinator of Aeranti-Corallo, noted that the stamp serves as a symbol of an industry that represents an essential pillar of democracy, public information, and job creation. For philatelists, media enthusiasts, and readers curious about global broadcasting history, complete technical details and images of the stamp are available in the official illustrated bulletin published by Poste Italiane.

Sona FM: A companion of the hill people

 

What can a community radio do? Can you believe that it is providing road facilities, medical assistance and essential needs to the people living in the hills? Salem Sona FM is the only community media for the people of 36 villages located on the Yercaud hills. This radio station broadcasts for 16 hours a day and has a huge audience all over Salem district. I recently got the opportunity to attend the third anniversary of the radio station. 

The program was beautifully presented by Ilakkiya. Project Director Mr. Subramaniam coordinated the program very well. In his speech, the chairman of the Valliyappa Foundation, Mr. C. Valliyappa, directly listened to the needs of the audience and asked them to take notes from the program producers. In addition, he directly introduced all the announcers and program producers to the audience

 I am very happy that the Chairman is in close contact with Gyanpeeth award winner Akhilan, a former employee of Akashvani. It is noteworthy that this is one of the few community radio stations that is successfully operating in Tamil Nadu. 

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Special talk on Community Radio: International Scenario

 Grateful for the opportunity to deliver a  at BRIDGE 2025 — the National Seminar on Building Radio Initiatives for Development, Governance, and Empowerment.

The seminar, organized by Muthucharam Community Radio Station (90.4 MHz), SRMIST-KTR, served as a vibrant platform for dialogue and collaboration among policymakers, media professionals, and academics. The event highlighted critical issues like governance frameworks, content creation, licensing, and capacity building, underscoring community radio’s pivotal role in promoting transparency, inclusivity, and grassroots development.

Sharing insights on the international landscape of community radio, I emphasized how global practices and collaborative models can strengthen local empowerment and media diversity.

(Pictured: Moment from the seminar session.)

Seminar Unveils the Power of Radio Journalism

Dwaraka Doss Goverdhan Doss Vaishnav College’s PG Department of Journalism & Communication is proud to announce a seminar titled “The Voice Profession: Unlocking Radio Journalism Career” on 8th September 2025 at 2:30 PM, AV Room, Ganga Block.

The upcoming seminar aims to explore the dynamic world of radio journalism, offering students and aspiring professionals valuable insights into this vital media field. Attendees will learn from broadcasting professionals and gain expert guidance on building a successful career in radio journalism.

Key Highlights

- Understand radio journalism insights from an industry expert.

- Learn best practices in broadcast media.

- Receive personalized professional career guidance.

The seminar features Dr. T. Jaisakthivel, a renowned figure in journalism and mass communication, who will share his expertise and experience with the attendees. The event is intended for students of BA & MA Journalism and is open to all who wish to explore career opportunities in radio broadcasting.

Organized By

The event is coordinated by faculty members including Mr. P. Rajesh Kumar (Faculty Coordinator), Dr. A. Pragathi (Asst. Prof. & Head i/c), Dr. S. Santosh Baboo (President), and Dr. Ashok Kumar Mundhra (Secretary), with Dwaraka Doss Goverdhan Doss Vaishnav College committed to academic excellence and professional development in the field of journalism.

For further information, please visit the college website or contact the Journalism & Communication Department.

A Radio Postcard Journey - 71

A Postcrossers Naren, recently sent a postcard featuring a unique image: the International AM/FM/LW Stereo Dual Cassette Recorder AK-21. The postcard, depicting a classic boombox with its dual cassette decks, sparked a wave of nostalgia online.

Adding to the retro charm, the cassette slots on the recorder are labeled with "Ilayaraja" - a likely reference to the popular music of the renowned Tamil  film composer.

The postcard, sent from Sholingur, a town in the Ranipet district of Tamil Nadu, India, has generated interest among vintage audio enthusiasts and fans of Ilayaraja's music alike. The image serves as a reminder of the era of cassette tapes and portable stereos, a time before digital music streaming.

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A Belgian Radio Celebration: The 75th Anniversary Stamp

This charming stamp, a thoughtful gift from @maya_ansje in Belgium, holds a special place in my collection. It commemorates the 75th anniversary of Belgian Radio, a significant milestone in the country's broadcasting history. 

Issued in 2005, the stamp features a vibrant design that immediately catches the eye. The prominent pink and white color scheme, reminiscent of a vinyl record, evokes a sense of nostalgia for the golden age of radio.  

The stamp proudly displays the logos of various Belgian radio stations, including:

RTBF Channels:La Première, VivaCité, Musiq3, Classic21, PureFM, and RTBF International (representing the French-speaking public broadcaster).

VRT Channels: Radio 1, Radio 2, Klara, Studio Brussel, Radio Donna, and RVi (representing the Flemish-speaking public broadcaster).

These logos, arranged in a gradient arc, symbolize the diverse range of programming offered by Belgian radio over the years. The central design element, a stylized microphone, further emphasizes the stamp's celebration of radio broadcasting.

The inscription "75 RADIO" in bold lettering, along with "ANS-JAAR" (Years in French and Dutch) and the year "2005", clearly marks the anniversary.  The "BELGIQUE BELGIË" and the value "0.50" (likely in Euros) are standard postal markings.  "16 bis Valérie Paul" likely refers to the designer or a specific detail related to the stamp's creation.

For me, this stamp is more than just a piece of postage. It's a window into Belgian culture and a reminder of the power of radio to connect people.  The thoughtful gesture from @maya_ansje makes it even more special, a tangible connection to a friend and a distant land.  It's a testament to the beauty of collecting and the joy of sharing passions across borders.

In essence, this stamp is a miniature celebration of Belgian radio history, a vibrant piece of design, and a cherished gift that I will treasure.

 

Pioneering in the Airwaves: Rao Bahadur C.V. Krishnaswamy Chetty and the Birth of Radio Broadcasting in South India

In the 1920s, Madras (now Chennai) witnessed a pivotal moment in its cultural and technological landscape. The credit for this transformation lies with Rao Bahadur C.V. Krishnaswamy Chetty, a visionary electrical engineer with the Corporation of Madras. Recognizing the potential of radio communication, Chetty spearheaded the establishment of the Madras Presidency Radio Club (MPRC) - the force behind the city's first radio broadcasts.

Chetty's journey began with a personal fascination with wireless technology. While a student at Madras Christian College, he devoured accounts of experiments by pioneers like Marconi. During his studies and subsequent work experience in the UK, his interest deepened as he witnessed the emergence of wireless communication firsthand. Upon returning to India, this passion translated into action.

However, the path to broadcasting wasn't without hurdles. The Government of India initially declined to offer organized radio services. Undeterred, Chetty took the initiative. In 1924, he began rallying public support for a radio club. His efforts culminated in a crucial meeting at the Ripon Buildings, where influential figures like V. Thirumalai Pillai, President of the Corporation of Madras, pledged their support. This meeting laid the foundation for the MPRC.

Chetty served as the club's treasurer and played a key role in securing equipment. The Marconi Company, impressed by his dedication, agreed to lend a transmitter, enabling broadcasts to reach cities beyond Madras. The MPRC's mission, as envisioned by Chetty, was to foster public interest in radio communication and provide access to educational and entertaining programs.

On July 31st, 1924, history was made as the MPRC initiated its first broadcast. This marked the dawn of radio broadcasting in South India. Chetty's unwavering vision and leadership not only brought entertainment and information to homes but also ignited a passion for radio technology among the populace. His contribution rightfully earns him the title of "the father of broadcasting in South India."

Tamil book on Who is who? on radio

 The Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of Madras, and the Indian Broadcasters Forum, Chennai, jointly invite you to the book release function of "OLIYALAI OVIYARHAL," written by Dr. V. Nallathambi. The event will take place on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at 10:30 AM in F50 Hall, Main Building, University of Madras, Chennai. This event will feature several distinguished speakers, including the Hon'ble Minister for Tamil Development & Information, Government of Tamilnadu, who will release the first copy of the book. 

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TWR announcer gets special cover

India Post Honors Acharya RRK Murthy with Special CoverI

ndia Post today unveiled a special cover honoring the legacy of Acharya RRK Murthy, a renowned radio and television personality. The cover features a distinctive cancellation focused on the radio set, a medium through which Murthy's teachings reached countless listeners.

Born on February 29, 1928, in Govindapuram village, Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh, Acharya RRK Murthy, or simply RRK Murthy, was a gifted speaker, writer, preacher, and lyric composer. He gained immense popularity for his 25-year tenure teaching the Bible through Transworld Radio, known as Vishwa Vani. Murthy's engaging and insightful sermons resonated with audiences of all faiths, earning him immense respect and admiration.

Beyond his radio work, Murthy's contributions extended to literature and music. He authored several books and composed numerous songs, leaving a lasting impact on the spiritual and cultural landscape. His monthly spiritual magazine, "Spandana," further solidified his influence and connected him with a dedicated readership.

The special cover issued by India Post is a fitting tribute to Acharya RRK Murthy's significant contributions to radio broadcasting, education, and spirituality. It serves as a reminder of his enduring legacy and the profound impact he made on countless lives.