Three hundred thirty cities across the country will be soon covered by the All India Radio, AIR, FM stations. The Chief Executive Officer of Prasar Bharati Mr. Rajeev Takroo said that the huge expansion is on the anvil to cater to the information needs of the people. Elaborating on the challenges before Radio news, Mr. Takroo said that the radio has to reach to the bottom of the pyramid to remain relevant.

He said that in a crisis situation, it is All India Radio news which is a dependable friend of one and all. Mr. Takroo was addressing the inaugural ceremony of a three day Workshop on challenges before radio news organised by the News Services Division of All India Radio in New Delhi on Monday. At present there are 86 AIR FM stations in the country.

Mr. Takroo said that All India Radio has to compete with the private players and for that necessary infrastructure and capacity building of the work force is in progress. He said that dissemination of news will remain the prerogative of All India Radio in near future also.

Director General, News, Mr. G. Mohanty said that the Radio is facing challenges from television channels as well as new media. Recalling the come back of Radio as a potent information tool in recent times due to FM stations, Mr. Mohanty, however, cautioned that Internet is posing the greatest challenge to Radio.

He said the challenge is to be faced through the combination of better technology and innovative content. Emphasising the need to involve the listeners in radio programming, he said this can be achieved by being more interactive with the target audience.

Director General, All India Radio Mr. L.D. Mandloi reiterated the need for retaining the credibility of All India Radio news with due diligence.