Why in News?

• In honour of the Indian Broadcasting Company’s inaugural radio broadcast from its Bombay station in 1927, India observes National Broadcasting Day.

Regarding India’s Radio Broadcasting Heritage:

The Humble Origins of Broadcasting:
• Long before the government got involved, amateur radio clubs in Calcutta (1923) and Madras (1924) launched India’s radio history.
• India’s first official broadcast, under the Indian Broadcasting Company (IBC), was broadcast on the Bombay station on July 23, 1927.

Colonial Trials and Errors:
• After financial failure, the British government acquired IBC in 1930 and renamed it the Indian State Broadcasting Service (ISBS).
• ISBS underwent a reorganisation and changed its name to All India Radio (AIR) in 1936.
• It was then placed under the Department of Labour and Industries.

Institutional Significant Events Following Independence:
• Officially, Akashvani became the national name of the broadcaster in 1956.
• When Vividh Bharati debuted in 1957, it featured well-known entertainment and movie soundtracks.
• In 1947, there were only 6 AIR stations, which served 11% of India’s population and 2.5% of its land.

The Function of AIR in National Development:
• Used for nation-building, such as health campaigns, literacy campaigns, and raising awareness of agriculture, particularly in rural India.
• Played a crucial part in promoting unity and thwarting British propaganda during the freedom struggle.
• Promoted the preservation of culture through national news services, classical programming, and folk music.

International Outreach & External Services:
• To combat Axis propaganda, external broadcasting in Pashto and Afghan languages started in 1939.
• The External Services Division now broadcasts in more than 100 countries in 11 Indian and 16 foreign languages.