Tuesday, 1 September 2026

HISTORY OF AIR (ALL INDIA RADIO)

All India Radio (AIR) is India's national radio broadcasting service. It has played an important role in providing news, information, education, entertainment and cultural programmes to people across the country.

The history of AIR is closely connected with the development of radio broadcasting in India.

Early Beginning of Radio in India: Radio broadcasting in India began in the 1920s.

1923 – Radio Club of Bombay: The Radio Club of Bombay conducted some of the earliest organised radio broadcasts in India. These early broadcasts mainly consisted of music and entertainment programmes.

1924 – Madras Presidency Radio Club: The Madras Presidency Radio Club also started broadcasting programmes. However, these early radio organisations faced financial and technical difficulties.

1927 – Indian Broadcasting Company: The Indian Broadcasting Company (IBC) was established in 1927. It started broadcasting from Bombay & Calcutta  However, because of financial problems, the company had to close down.

1930 – Indian State Broadcasting Service: The government took control of broadcasting in 1930 and established the Indian State Broadcasting Service (ISBS).The government began to recognise radio as an important medium for reaching a large population.

1936 – All India Radio: In 1936, the Indian State Broadcasting Service was renamed All India Radio (AIR). AIR gradually expanded its network across India and began broadcasting programmes in different Indian languages.

1957 – Akashvani: In 1957, the name Akashvani became associated with All India Radio. The term Akashvani means "voice from the sky." AIR became an important medium for national communication after Independence.

AIR after Independence: After 1947, AIR was used extensively for:

  • National integration
  • Development communication
  • Education
  • Agricultural information
  • Health awareness
  • News
  • Cultural programmes
  • Music
  • Entertainment

It helped connect people living in different parts of India.

Radio was particularly important in rural areas where newspapers and television were not easily available.

Important Features of AIR

  • Extensive national network
  • Programmes in many Indian languages
  • Strong focus on public service broadcasting
  • Coverage of rural and remote areas
  • Promotion of Indian music and culture
  • Regular news and current affairs programmes

The history of AIR reflects the growth of radio from a small experimental medium into a nationwide public broadcasting service. AIR continues to be an important source of information, education and entertainment.

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