Information and Broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah Naidu has said that All India Radio still continues to be the first choice of majority of the population for authentic news not only within the country but also for Indians abroad. <br/><br/>Speaking after presenting Annual Akashvani Awards in New Delhi today, Mr Naidu said, in the present era of cacophony when television channels, newspapers, social media platforms are dishing out sensational and often unsubstantiated news, AIR still continues its tradition of broadcast with correct and credible news. He said, AIR is voice of the people.<br/><br/>Mr Naidu said, All India Radio is the world's largest public service broadcaster and people have great faith in this organization. He said, new radio stations has been a common request from almost all States during the review meetings of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and it shows people's trust in AIR. Mr Naidu said, it is important to felicitate them who keep the traditions alive.<br/>''<br/>Mr Naidu said, the government is committed to the total freedom of press and expression and there is no gag on it in the country. <br/>'<br/>Referring to the challenges in Radio Broadcast sector, he said, the challenge for the content creator is manifold and it is important to make the content entertaining as well as utilitarian so as to maximize the listenership of the programme.<br/>'<br/>Emphasizing on the role of Government communication, the Minister said that the agenda of the Government is to create awareness about the development initiatives undertaken that had ability to transform lives of people and fulfill the aspirations of emerging New and Young India.<br/>'<br/>He said, few people are intolerant to people's mandate. He said, some people are spreading lies on beef and other foods. He said, food is a matter of choice.<br/><br/>AIR correspondent reports that Akashvani Annual Awards has been an annual feature since 1974 and it remains one of the oldest and most prestigious awards in Public Service Broadcasting in the country. While promoting healthy professional competition, these awards also promote creative excellence by bringing out the best from the professionals working in various aspects of radio broadcast. <br/><br/>There were host of awards given for different categories like news, documentaries, musical production, Yuva Vani, Innovative Programme, and on Farm and Home. AIR editors and correspondents Shariq Noor, M Jaya Singh, DVS Deep, Chadrika Joshi received awards this year. Regional News Units Silchar and Chennai recieved award for Best RNU.

Information and Broadcasting Minister M Venkaiah Naidu has said that All India Radio still continues to be the first choice of majority of the population for authentic news not only within the country but also for Indians abroad. <br/><br/>Speaking after presenting Annual Akashvani Awards in New Delhi today, Mr Naidu said, in the present era of cacophony when television channels, newspapers, social media platforms are dishing out sensational and often unsubstantiated news, AIR still continues its tradition of broadcast with correct and credible news. He said, AIR is voice of the people.<br/><br/>Mr Naidu said, All India Radio is the world's largest public service broadcaster and people have great faith in this organization. He said, new radio stations has been a common request from almost all States during the review meetings of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and it shows people's trust in AIR. Mr Naidu said, it is important to felicitate them who keep the traditions alive.<br/>''<br/>Mr Naidu said, the government is committed to the total freedom of press and expression and there is no gag on it in the country. <br/>'<br/>Referring to the challenges in Radio Broadcast sector, he said, the challenge for the content creator is manifold and it is important to make the content entertaining as well as utilitarian so as to maximize the listenership of the programme.<br/>'<br/>Emphasizing on the role of Government communication, the Minister said that the agenda of the Government is to create awareness about the development initiatives undertaken that had ability to transform lives of people and fulfill the aspirations of emerging New and Young India.<br/>'<br/>He said, few people are intolerant to people's mandate. He said, some people are spreading lies on beef and other foods. He said, food is a matter of choice.