Union Minister Inaugurates New FM Transmitter in Bhadravati to Enhance Radio Connectivity
Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, L Murugan, officially inaugurated a new 10 kW FM transmitter at Bhadravati Akashvani in Shivamogga on Thursday. This significant development marks a firm commitment to expanding reliable communication channels, ensuring that radio reaches even the most remote corners of society.
Expanding Coverage Across Eight Districts
During the inauguration ceremony held at Vidyanagar in Shivamogga, Minister Murugan described the new transmitter as a valuable gift to Bhadravati Akashvani. The enhanced transmitter is designed to cover an extensive area spanning eight districts, including the hilly and remote regions of the Malnad area. This expansion is expected to significantly improve radio accessibility for communities in these often underserved locations.
Government Investment in Digital and Communication Infrastructure
Highlighting the government's dedication to modernizing media infrastructure, Murugan announced that the Union government is allocating a substantial Rs 2,000 crore towards developing and improving the quality of digital and communication media. This investment underscores a strategic focus on enhancing the technological backbone of broadcasting services across the country.
Radio's Widespread Reach and Public Trust
Minister Murugan emphasized that radio remains a highly trusted medium, reaching approximately 92% of the population through advanced technology. He noted that Akashvani continues to earn public confidence by delivering authentic and accurate news in 23 languages and 182 dialects. This extensive linguistic coverage ensures that radio serves as a vital source of information for diverse communities, including those in border, hilly, and remote areas.
Focus on the Orange Economy and Creative Initiatives
In addition to infrastructure development, the government is actively promoting the "Orange Economy," a creative ecosystem that encompasses art, culture, design, films, music, software, and gaming. As part of this initiative, creative labs are being provided to 25,000 schools, fostering innovation and artistic expression among students. This holistic approach aims to integrate cultural and creative industries with technological advancements.
Innovations in Radio Broadcasting
Murugan also highlighted recent innovations in radio broadcasting, including the launch of podcasts by Akashvani and the significant role played by 550 community radio stations. These initiatives are part of broader efforts to adapt radio to contemporary media consumption trends while maintaining its core mission of public service.
Specifics of the Bhadravati FM Transmitter
The newly inaugurated FM transmitter in Bhadravati is the 25th of its kind and covers an impressive area of 3,500 square kilometers. Operating on the 101.4 MHz frequency, it is projected to benefit nearly one crore people, serving as a Diamond Jubilee gift for the station. In response to requests from local representatives, Minister Murugan promised to initiate a pilot project to enable radio listening in city parks, further enhancing public access to radio services.
Local Representatives Express Support and Anticipation
Shivamogga MP Raghavendra highlighted the widespread benefits of the new transmitter, noting its potential to serve a large population as part of the station's Diamond Jubilee celebrations. Shivamogga MLA SN Channabasappa expressed that the people of Shivamogga had long awaited this enhanced FM service, reflecting local enthusiasm for improved communication infrastructure.
Dignitaries Present at the Inauguration
The inauguration event was attended by several key dignitaries, including Akashvani Director General Rajendra Kumar, Prasar Bharati CEO Gaurav Dwivedi, MLC Dhananjaya Sarji, Shivamogga DC Prabhulinga Kavalikatti, and SP B Nikhil. Their presence underscored the collaborative effort behind this initiative to strengthen radio broadcasting in the region.
