The Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. L. Murugan attended the pooja programme  of upgraded 10 KW transmitter and other equipment of AIR Bhadravati station at Doordarshan Kendra premises in Shivamogga today. 

Addressing the gathering after the pooja ceremony, Dr. L Murugan said, “The central government, under the leadership of   Hon. Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modi, is committed for upgrading and strengthening the broadcasting infrastructure in the country.”

“Rs. 2,500 crore fund was approved last year for the Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development scheme for the expansion and development of broadcasting infrastructure of AIR & DD across the country,” he added. The Union Minister further said that, AIR and Doordarshan are playing key role in preserving ancient culture, local traditions and native dialect. The medium is pivotal in disseminating the information related to central government schemes to the common people in the rural areas.

The Union Minister said, the upgraded transmitter facility of AIR Bhadravati will cater to a radial distance of 60 km covering Shivamogga, Chikmagalur, Davanegere and parts of other neighbouring districts. The minister gave assurance of starting a full fledge studio at the station in the coming days. While addressing the gathering, Shri. B.Y Raghavendra, Member of Parliament, Shivamogga, said that Akashavani Bhadravati is tirelessly contributing for the socio-economic development of Malnad region.

With the commissioning of new FM transmitter, the programmes of AIR station will reach more people catering to the needs of local listeners and artists.  He opined that, radio is still popular and is considered to be favourite media especially among people living in interiors of the country.  Addressing on the technology up gradation of AIR,  Shri. B.Y Raghavendra said that, News on AIR mobile app has made AIR & Doordashan programmes and news bulletins easily available to the common people.

Shri. Araga Jnanendra, former Home Minister, GoK  &  MLA, Teerthahalli ; Shri. S.N Channabasappa , MLA, Shivamogga ; Shri. D.S Arun, MLC, Shivamogga ; Shri.Dhanajay Sarji, MLC, Shivamogga,  Officers  and staff of AIR and Doordarhan were present during the occasion.

The frequency of the new FM transmitter is 101.4 MHz and the cost of the project is Rs. 935 lakhs. With the commissioning of the new transmitter the area covered by AIR Bhadravati will increase to 64% .

 

AB

 

*****

(Release ID: 2095479) Visitor Counter : 52