Indian national broadcaster All India Radio’s (AIR) FM station in Kochi in the southern state of Kerala is all set to celebrate its silver anniversary.
According to NDTV, AIR Kochi was the first FM station in the city offering information and entertainment in the local language – Malayalam.
It began broadcasting on November 1, 1989 and covers Ernakulam district, Pathanamthitta, Palakkad, Idukki, Alappuzha and major parts of Kottayam.
The station is planning to mark its 25th anniversary with a number of new programmes and events
These include an audio-history of Kochi, a series of stories called ‘Kathaprasangam’, a poetry show titled ‘Kavyasandhya’, a folk fest, a seminar on women issues and a get-together of the station staff including retired broadcasters.
According to officials, the station remains popular despite many private players entering the market because of its quality content.
Sreekumar Mukhathala, a programme executive of the station, told PTI: “Private FMs have to pay more attention to profit. But as a public broadcaster, we can give more priority to the interests of our audience. It is the main reason behind our success.”