AIR TO PROMOTE CLASSICAL PROGRAMMES

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The Minister of Information and Broadcasting Shri Ravi Shankar Prasad has appreciated All India Radio (AIR) for promoting programmes based on classical music so as to save its cultural heritage in the face of upcoming private FM channels. Speaking at a function, "Ek Shyaam Akashvani Ke Naam" to mark the AIR’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations here last evening, Shri Prasad expressed concern over the vanishing culture of classical music as private FM channels are posing a serious threat to its existence. He said that there is an urgent need to save the cultural heritage of Akashvani by promoting classical music based programmes. The Minister further said that the AIR must be prepared to face the tough competition of FM channels while protecting its cultural identity.

Shri Prasad said that about 99 per cent people and 90 percent regions are still having access to radio which means that radio continues to be a formidable and most popular mode of communication and entertainment. As world is moving towards globalization, AIR should not lack behind and maintain the tradition of airing programes for listeners of different age groups, communities and cultures, he said. The Minister said, in this era of information and technology, AIR has to equip itself with the latest digital technology so that it reaches the people of all sections with the latest information of their interest.