All India Radio to expand global presence

India’s public broadcaster All India Radio (AIR) is planning to launch services for several countries to boost diplomatic ties and the government’s outreach programmes to Indians settled overseas.

The External Services Division (ESD) of the AIR presently reaches around 150 countries with programmes in 27 languages, of which 14 are targeted at neighbouring countries and Southeast Asia. ESD’s programming includes news bulletins, commentaries on current affairs, a review of the Indian press, informative talks, interviews, documentaries, features and Indian music of all genres and plays.

New countries which AIR wants to reach include Japan, Germany, Canada, South Africa, Maldives and some in the Commonwealth of Independent States. Referring to Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe recent visit to India, ESD Director Amlanjyoti Mazumdar told said that both countries are expanding engagements in number of sectors, hence, the need for a Japanese AIR service. (Asia Radio Today)