Shivamogga: Radio is a reliable and effective medium of communication, and installing a new 10 kW FM transmitter at Bhadravati Akashvani is a firm step towards reaching the last person in society, Union minister of state for information and broadcasting and parliamentary affairs L Murugan said Thursday.Inaugurating the transmitter at Vidyanagar in Shivamogga, he described it as a gift to Bhadravati Akashvani that will cover eight districts, including remote corners of the Malnad’s hilly region.
He said the Union govt is spending Rs 2,000 crore to develop infrastructure and improve the quality of digital and communication media. Pointing out that radio reaches 92% of the population through modern technology, he added that the govt is focusing on the “Orange Economy” — a creative ecosystem encompassing art, culture, design, films, music, software and gaming — and is providing creative labs to 25,000 schools.Murugan said radio continues to earn public trust by providing authentic and accurate news in 23 languages and 182 dialects and by reaching border, hilly and remote areas. He added that Akashvani has launched podcasts and that 550 community radio stations are playing a significant role.The Bhadravati FM transmitter, the 25th of its kind, covers 3,500 sqkm. Responding to requests from local representatives, he promised a pilot project to enable radio listening in city parks.Shivamogga MP Raghavendra stated that the 101.4 MHz frequency will benefit nearly one crore people as a Diamond Jubilee gift for the station.Shivamogga MLA SN Channabasappa said people of Shivamogga had long awaited this FM service.Akashvani director general Rajendra Kumar, Prasar Bharati CEO Gaurav Dwivedi, MLC Dhananjaya Sarji, Shivamogga DC Prabhulinga Kavalikatti and SP B Nikhil attended the event.
