RADIO BROADCASTING IN

INDIA PRE AND POST

INDEPENDENCE
Sit Dolor Amet
 Evolution and Growth of Radio in India
◦ Radio broadcasting started in India during the British Raj. The Radio Club of Bombay made the
first broadcast in the country in June 1923. Later in the year, Calcutta Radio Club was
established.
◦ In 1927, Indian Broadcasting Company Ltd. (IBC) was established. It operated only
two radio stations in Bombay and Calcutta. However, the company was liquidated in
1930.
◦ In April 1930, the government started the Indian State Broadcasting Service (ISBS).
After 2 years, it became a permanent service.
◦ Later in 1936, it officially became the All-India Radio on 8th June. In 1956 it was
renamed as ‘Akashvani.’
◦ At the time of independence, there were 6 radio stations in
Delhi, Bombay, Calcutta, Madras, Tiruchirappalli, and
Lucknow.
◦ In 1957, Vividh Bharati Service, the entertainment part of AIR
was launched.
◦ FM broadcasting began in 1972 in Madras.
◦ Until 1993, radio was under the government and no private
players were allowed.
 Private Radio Stations
◦ In 1993, the Government of India started an experiment of a 2-hours daily
FM broadcast in Delhi and Mumbai.
◦ In 2001 FM Phase-1 was conducted wherein an open auction was
conducted for FM license. Hence, 22 private radio stations or FM started
operating in 12 cities in India.
◦ Radio City Bangalore became India’s first private FM radio station on 3
July 2001.
◦ FM Phase-2 was conducted in 2005. During this auction, 245 licenses
were issued.
 Community Radio Stations
◦ In 2002, the Government of India granted permission for setting up
community radio stations for educational institutes.
◦ In 2004, Anna FM of Anna University was launched on 1 February.
◦ Later in 2006, the policy was amended to include other institutions.
◦ Hence in 2008, Sangham Radio became the first NGO-operated radio
station in the country. The radio station was licensed to the Deccan
Development Society.
 Popular FM Stations in India
◦ 1- Radio Mirchi – 98.3 FM
• Owned and operated by Entertainment Network India Ltd.
• Operates in 8 metro cities including Delhi and Mumbai.
• First private broadcaster in the country.
◦ 2-Radio City – 91.1 FM
• The first private radio station in India.
• Launched the first internet radio station.
• Has 18 online radio stations.
◦ 3-AIR – 100.7 FM
• National public broadcaster of the country.
• Largest radio network in the world.
• 420 radio stations across the country.