Prasar Bharati Temporarily Relocates Dharwad Akashvani News Unit to Bengaluru
In a significant move, Prasar Bharati issued a circular on Friday announcing the temporary shifting of the Regional News Unit (RNU) of Dharwad Akashvani to Bengaluru RNU, effective from May 15. This decision has raised eyebrows and concerns among local stakeholders regarding the future of decentralized broadcasting in north Karnataka.
Directive for Bulletin Shifting
Jitendra Singh Katara, deputy director general (policy), in a letter dated April 17, directed the heads of Akashvani stations across Karnataka to commence the shifting of bulletins. This directive sets the stage for the transition, which is slated to begin next month.
Historical Significance and Listenership
CU Bellakki, former station director of Akashvani, Dharwad, highlighted the unit's rich history and impact. Operational since November 1, 1981, the Dharwad RNU has served 18 districts of north Karnataka, boasting the highest listenership according to Audience Research Unit surveys. Bellakki noted that while afternoon and evening Pradesha Samachara were broadcast by Bengaluru RNU, Dharwad RNU handled the morning broadcasts, prioritizing local issues such as floods and droughts.
Past Proposals and Political Backing
Bellakki revealed that similar proposals in 2022 and on one or two other occasions were stalled by Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, who advocated for strengthening the unit. "The Dharwad unit was established with the intention of decentralizing broadcasting," Bellakki said. "While local and community radio stations are emerging, Prasar Bharati is reverting to centralization, which is a detrimental decision. If this shift is unavoidable, they should disclose the reasons." He expressed fears that the temporary move might lead to a permanent shutdown, noting that the unit also supports journalism students in the region.
Community Reaction and Advocacy
Shankar Halagatti, general secretary of the Karnataka Vidya Vardhaka Sangha in Dharwad, emphasized the unit's importance beyond news dissemination. "The RNU is not just a news unit; it is a source of pride for the people of this region," he stated. Halagatti announced plans to write to Union ministers from Karnataka and Prasar Bharati, urging them to retain the RNU in Dharwad. "Members of Parliament from north Karnataka should pressure Prasar Bharati to maintain the unit here," he added.
Official Silence and Unavailability
Gaurav Dwivedi, chief executive officer of Prasar Bharati in Delhi, did not respond to email queries regarding the matter. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, who represents the Dharwad Lok Sabha constituency, was also unavailable for comment, leaving many questions unanswered about the rationale behind the shift.
Programming Details of Dharwad RNU
The Dharwad RNU has been instrumental in delivering various news programs:
- Pradesha Samachara: A 10-minute regional news broadcast daily at 7:05 AM.
- FM Bulletins: Five bulletins of 2.50 minutes each at 8:30 AM, 9:30 AM, 10:30 AM, 6:30 AM, and 8:30 PM daily (currently halted).
- District News Letter: A 5-minute segment every Monday at 6:30 PM, covering developmental and cultural activities across 13 districts of north Karnataka.
- News Reel-Samachara Darshana: A 6-minute program (previously 20 minutes) every Saturday at 6:20 PM.
- Special Bulletins: Issued during assembly and Parliament elections to keep the public informed.
This temporary relocation raises concerns about the potential impact on local news coverage and the broader trend towards centralization in public broadcasting, sparking a debate on the future of regional media in India.
