All India Radio, India’s national public radio broadcaster is celebrating its 80th anniversary today. Also known as Akashvani. which means ‘Voice from the Sky’, AIR is one of the leading and oldest radio networks in the world. It’s a division of Prasar Bharti and is headquartered at Akashvani Bhavan in New Delhi.Let’s look at some lesser known facts about India’s most loved radio station
The radio station was launched on this day in 1936 when Indian State Broadcasting Service became All India Radio.
It was Sir Lionel Fielden who coined the term ‘All India Radio’ on June 8, 1936.
AIR’s first ever bulletin was broadcast on January 19, 1936.
The first national music programme on AIR was broadcast on July 20, 1952.5. Vividh Bharti Services were inaugurated on October 3, 1957.
During his India visit in 1959, Che Guevera recorded an exclusive interview on AIR with K.P. Bhanumathy.
The first ever FM service was started on July 23, 1977, in Madras, now known as Chennai.8. The popularity of the radio station only assumed greater heights with time. Now, PM Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ also features on AIR.
Happy birthday, AIR! Hope you keep entertaining us for years to come.
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