BHUBANESWAR: Even as the world witnesses a technological upgradation and modernisation in the field of communication and media, radio is the only mode which has sustained and evolved in a new profile and contours, Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore said here on Sunday.
Addressing the closing ceremony of International radio fair ‘Outreach International Radio Fair-2016’, Rathore said the Central Government has strategised a systematic approach for development of existing radio stations and installation of new ones.
“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has a personal interest to elevate and improve radio because of which he chose to reach out to the masses over the oldest mode of communication through ‘Mann Ki Baat’,” Rathore said.
Rathore said his Ministry has set a target of covering 67 per cent of the country by FM radio in next two and a half years from the present 45 per cent. Currently, total coverage (MW and FM) is 92 per cent of the area and 99 per cent of the total population of the country, he said, adding the Centre will expand the reach of radio by converting Medium Wave (MW) towers into FM towers.
Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas Dharmendra Pradhan exhorted FM companies to come up with programmes to enlighten masses about the glorious culture and heritage of Odisha. He hailed efforts of convenor of the fair Subrat Kumar Pati in organising an event with participants from foreign countries.
Radio Choklate director Tanaya Patnaik highlighted the issues faced by small radio operators in the State and urged Rathore to work out practical and viable solutions.
Overseas broadcasters, All India Radio, private FMs, community radio and internet radio stations participated in the two-day event.