New Delhi : Information and broadcasting minister Arun Jaitley on Tuesday launched FM transmission of the popular ‘Vividh Bharati’ service of All India Radio, which will be available to listeners in and around Delhi on mobile handsets, car stereos and internet.
Jaitley said Vividh Bharati, which would be available within a radius of 60 km in the NCR, would enable people to enjoy high quality content with utmost clarity. The service will be available in Delhi on FM channel 100.1 MHz.
He added that the initiative would also mainstream the platform with audiences, proactively offering them different programmes and keeping pace with contemporary themes in the entertainment segment.
Vividh Bharati offers a mix of film music, skits, short plays and interactive programmes. It is known to have the largest collection of film and non-film songs in the country.
With the launch of FM transmission of Vividh Bharati in Delhi, the channel’s availability will increase by up to 20 times. Till now, the service was available only on medium wave receivers or radio sets but it will now be available on mobile phones.
Minister of state for I&B Rajyavardhan Rathore, Prasar Bharati chairperson A Surya Prakash, I&B secretary Bimal Julka and other senior officials were present on the occasion.
Jaitley recalled some of Vividh Bharati’s prominent programmes like Bhule Bisre Geet, Hawa Mahal, Jaimala, Sangeet Sarita and Youth Express. He said different programmes had “left a deep imprint on the minds of listeners since it began in 1957”.
Speaking to reporters later, Jaitley said DD News would also have its mobile phone application. He added that Doordarshan’s ‘Kisan’ channel could be launched in May.
