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FM advertisement revenue up by Rs 216 crore in 2013-2014: TRAI
MUMBAI: Radio is not just an affordable means for mass communication but is also very popular, thanks to its wide coverage, terminal portability, low set up costs and affordability.
The medium is seeing a strong growth of advertisement revenue according to TRAI’s annual report for the year 2013-14. From Rs 1191 crore in 2012-2013 it rose to Rs 1407 crore in 2013-2014, up by Rs 216 crore. Not only this, the medium has been growing at a steady pace since 2008-09. From Rs 539 crore in 2008-09, it rose further by Rs 717 crore, Rs 1017 crore, and Rs 1078 crore for 2009-10, 2010-11 and 2011-12 respectively.
India has definitely seen a spurt in the number of private FM radio stations. But the number has been stagnant for the year’s 2013 and 2014 with 242 private FM radio stations. In 2008 there were a total of 210 private FM radio stations. This increased to 241 in 2009 and went up by 245 in 2010 and continued till 2012. The number dropped to 242 in 2013 and has been still till 2014. Besides the 242 private FM radio stations operational as of March 2014, there is also the public service broadcaster- All India Radio (AIR) having a network of 277 stations and 432 broadcast transmitters (148 are MW, 236 FM and 48 SW). In India FM Radio broadcasting, due to its versatility, is considered as the main medium to provide entertainment, information and education within the radio sector.
With a view to further expand the spread of FM services to other cities particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, North Eastern states and island territories and to address certain other issues, the government on 25 July 2011 issued consolidated policy guidelines on phase III of expansion of FM radio broadcasting through private agencies. “The phase III is intended to extend FM radio’s reach to 294 cities with additional 839 FM radio stations thereby boosting the regional growth of FM radio stations. It is expected that post phase III, FM radio will cover around 85 per cent of the territory of the country,” states the report.
The scheme to rope in private broadcasters for FM radio has significantly contributed to enhance the coverage and provide good quality of reception to radio listeners. This has also encouraged local talent and generated employment opportunities in various cities.
The radio sector in the country witnessed another expansion with the opening up of Community Radio Stations (CRS). The annual report highlights that there is a huge potential in India for establishment of CRS given the vast landscape of this country, numerous languages, various cultures and diverse social stratification.
Community Radio is known to serve the purpose of networking of small communities with an objective to focus on the common man’s day-to-day concerns and help them realize local aspirations. As on March 2014, out of the 194 licenses issued for the setting up of community radio stations, 161 community radio stations have become operational.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
