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Tag: All India Radio

  • Sudhanshu Vats to helm Asci in landmark 40th year

    Sudhanshu Vats to helm Asci in landmark 40th year

    MUMBAI: Pidilite Industries managing director Sudhanshu Vats has been elected chairman of the Advertising Standards Council of India (Asci) at its 39th annual general meeting, taking charge as the country’s advertising regulator-by-consensus enters its fourth decade.

    MullenLowe Global chief strategy officer S Subramanyeswar  moves in as vice-chairman, while industry veteran Paritosh Joshi of Provocateur Advisory becomes honorary treasurer.

    Founded in 1985 as a voluntary self-regulatory body, Asci is recognised by the Cable TV Act, Doordarshan, All India Radio and several key regulators. Its consumer complaints committee enjoys extraordinary acceptance for a voluntary code: in FY 2024-25, compliance hit 98 per cent for print advertising, 97 per cent for television and 81 per cent for digital. The supreme court has repeatedly cited Asci’s role in consumer protection.

    Vats said the council’s job has “never been more important” as advertising mutates with technology and new formats. “Our responsibility is to ensure advertising is executed with integrity—centred on the product promise, respectful of the community and mindful of consumers,” he told members. “Self-regulation provides guidance to the industry and assurance to the public. The simple principle is to keep the consumer’s interest front and centre.”

    Outgoing chairman Partha Sinha called his tenure “a comma in a sentence that keeps unfolding”. Over the past years, he said, Asci has “moved from being a watchdog to an enabler of responsible communication—partnering, not just policing,” and stepped “firmly into the digital arena, because responsibility cannot lag behind technology.”

    To mark its fortieth year, the council unveiled an ambitious agenda:

    * AdWise literacy drive – training more than a million schoolchildren to identify, question and evaluate advertising messages, reducing their vulnerability to misleading or harmful pitches.
    * Gen-Alpha research – an ethnographic study of children born into the touchscreen age to craft a framework for responsible advertising to the next generation.
    * New city offices – expansion of Asci’s physical footprint to Bengaluru and Delhi to deepen engagement across India.
    * Legal knowledge hub – a comprehensive online resource on advertising codes and laws, developed with leading law firm Khaitan & Co.
    * Podcast partnerships – a new series with The Logical Indian and Marketing Minds to spread awareness of responsible advertising.
    * Visual commitment badge – a mark members can display in their communications and on websites to signal adherence to the Asci code.

    Asci’s influence has widened well beyond complaint adjudication. The Asci Academy now drives education and thought leadership through masterclasses for marketers, faculty development programmes in media and advertising colleges, and a pre-production advisory service that helps advertisers check compliance before campaigns go live—avoiding costly post-release fixes.

    In recent years the council has published widely cited white papers on dark patterns, artificial intelligence in advertising, the depiction of masculinity and the trust deficit around digital influencers. It has issued pioneering guidelines on influencer conduct, cryptocurrency, green claims and gender stereotyping, earning two global awards for leadership in self-regulation.

    Looking ahead, Vats said Asci will “strengthen global partnerships and knowledge exchange with peer bodies worldwide, and invest in research, innovation and frameworks that respond to the realities of digital-first advertising.”

    For a voluntary body that began as a modest industry code, the next chapter promises to be anything but quiet.

  • Prasar Bharati and AEx Sport partner to launch India’s first pro-wrestling league

    Prasar Bharati and AEx Sport partner to launch India’s first pro-wrestling league

    NEW DELHI:   Public broadcaster Prasar Bharati has inked a strategic memorandum of understanding with AEx Sport the sports innovation arm of UK-based AdiGroupe, to launch  the Global League Wrestling (GLW) — the first professional wrestling league of its kind in India and the Asia-Pacific.

    The collaboration combines Prasar Bharati’s national reach across DD Sports, All India Radio and digital platform Waves, with AEx Sport’s global firepower in production, IP, and marketing. GLW is set to be unveiled on 17 September and will hit the screens from 4 October 2025, airing weekly over a 40-week season of high-octane, family-friendly programming.

    “This marks a new era for Indian pro-wrestling,” said Prasar Bharati chairman Navneet Kumar Sehgal. “GLW reinforces our vision of taking Indian sport to global heights and giving our youth a credible platform to shine.”

    Positioned as a cultural milestone in Indian sport, GLW will blend traditional Indian storytelling with world-class wrestling theatrics, introducing original characters, cinematic plots, and a production style aimed at mass appeal. It is also seen as part of the government’s broader push to promote youth engagement through sport.

    “GLW brings a new genre of content that’s rooted in our culture but built for the world,” said Prasar Bharati CEO  Gaurav Dwivedi. “We’re creating something truly unique for Indian audiences.”

    Backing the league’s ambitions is AdiGroupe and AEx Sport chairman Sanjay Viswanathan, who described GLW as “an immersive, youth-led cultural experience that puts Indian talent centre stage”. He added: “We’re dedicating GLW to India to inspire pride, competitiveness and global ambition among Indian youth.”

    Wrestling icon The Great Khali joins as GLW’s brand ambassador and talent commissioner, bringing star power and mentorship to the ring. “GLW offers a serious and structured path for Indian athletes to shine — on our terms,” said Khali.

    With the inaugural season already generating buzz, the tie-up between India’s national broadcaster and a global sports IP developer signals a watershed moment for homegrown sports entertainment.

  • Aayush Ailawadi joins NDTV as editor – technology & AI

    Aayush Ailawadi joins NDTV as editor – technology & AI

    NEW DELHI:  One of India’s most recognisable voices in tech and AI journalism, Aayush Ailawadi, has joined NDTV as editor – technology & AI, adding another marquee name to the broadcaster’s expanding digital-first arsenal.

    Ailawadi made the announcement with characteristic flair, calling NDTV his “ultimate playground” and teasing followers to expect “maximum screens, maximum geek-outs and more surprises.”

    With a career that spans BloombergQuint, India Today, CNBC-TV18, and even All India Radio, Ailawadi is known for making tech talk relatable and fun — whether it’s AI, gadgets, fintech or cybersecurity. His current podcast, Let’s Tech About It, co-produced between LA and Mumbai, has built a loyal community of enthusiasts.

    Before this, he served as consulting editor at the RP Sanjiv Goenka Group and was technology editor and anchor at India Today, where he became a staple for millennial viewers tuning in for smart, jargon-free commentary.

    In his freelance avatar, Ailawadi has also lent his voice to Discovery, Netflix (Bad Boy Billionaires), and dozens of corporate films — all while doubling up as a scriptwriter, strategist and voiceover artist.

    His appointment underscores NDTV’s clear push into the tech vertical — aiming not just to inform, but to entertain, engage and, most of all, translate the complex for India’s growing digital citizenry.

  • Sehgal outlines Prasar Bharati’s future at IAA industry meet in Mumbai

    Sehgal outlines Prasar Bharati’s future at IAA industry meet in Mumbai

    MUMBAI: From Agra expressways to All India Radio, Navneet Sehgal’s media journey has had one goal, reaching Bharat, better. At the latest edition of IAA Conversations, hosted by the India Chapter of the International Advertising Association (IAA) in partnership with The Free Press Journal, the spotlight fell on Prasar Bharati, chairman Navneet Kumar Sehgal in an engaging tête-à-tête with Groupm COO for South Asia Ashwin Padmanabhan.

    Held at Mumbai’s Taj Lands End, the session welcomed a full house of brand custodians, agency leaders, and media professionals, reflecting the industry’s growing interest in public service media’s evolution.

    IAA India chapter president Abhishek Karnani kicked off the evening by reaffirming the IAA’s 2025 focus “Conversations, Skilling, and Artificial Intelligence” as tools to futureproof the communication ecosystem.

    Described as a legacy administrator with a media mission, Sehgal spoke candidly about navigating the dual identity of Prasar Bharati, a half-government, half-autonomous behemoth with unmatched rural reach and new-age ambitions.

    “With over 1000 transmitters, 36 plus TV channels, and 58 radio stations, our footprint is vast. But our challenge now is agility and relevance,” Sehgal said.

    Some of the initiatives he outlined include, Building a robust OTT platform that unifies live TV, radio, e-commerce, and digital-first content. Launching direct-to-mobile TV broadcasting that bypasses internet requirements. Investing in creator and youth ecosystems through initiatives like Waves, a content summit kickstarted by the prime minister.

    Ashwin Padmanabhan noted that under Sehgal’s leadership, Prasar Bharati had become remarkably collaborative, inviting participation from advertisers, influencers, and platforms alike.

    “This is not a closed-door legacy broadcaster anymore,” he said. “It’s a space where creators can experiment, and brands can build authentic Tier 2 and Tier 3 engagement.”

    Sehgal recounted a memorable storytelling project with Big FM and Nilesh Mishra that used emotion, not explanation, to communicate government schemes. “A good ad commercial or social moves people to act. That’s the power of public storytelling,” he said.

    He emphasised that while public service media often carries the weight of bureaucracy, its evolution must be people-first. “We are not just public. We are people-first. And to stay people-first, we must constantly innovate.”

    The evening closed on a high note, with warm appreciation from the audience, which included advertising veterans, brand marketers, and digital leaders. Special thanks were extended to the IAA team, including Rahul and Heta, for curating a conversation that was more than just a fireside chat, it was a call to reimagine public media for a new India.

    As Sehgal quipped with a smile, “Legacy is not a burden, it’s the launchpad.”

  • Sushant Mohan snags top Zee digital gig

    Sushant Mohan snags top Zee digital gig

    MUMBAI: IndiaDotcom Digital, formerly Zee Digital, has plumped for Sushant S Mohan as its new chief editor and business manager. Mohan, a digital veteran since ’08, is tasked with giving Zee’s digital platforms a right proper shake-up, blending editorial gravitas with business brawn.

    He’s no stranger to the digital trenches, having previously steered DNA’s digital transformation as chief executive, and before that, cutting his teeth at Opera News, News18, BBC, Fever 104, Red FM, All India Radio and DD Prasar Bharti, amongst others. 

    Now, he’s promising to inject “fresh energy” and “innovation” into Zee’s digital offering, while also chasing those all-important revenue streams. 

    “It’s a privilege and an exciting challenge,” Mohan quipped, “to lead one of India’s most influential digital news platforms.” He aims to deliver “impactful journalism” with a “sharp focus” on the audience.

    Zee Media Corporation Ltd CEO  Karan Abhishek Singh reckons Mohan’s “rare blend of editorial acumen and business insights” will be just the ticket for IndiaDotcom Digital’s “new phase of growth.” The company is banking on him to keep the digital platforms “credible, relevant, and future-ready.”

    This appointment is part of IndiaDotcom Digital’s grand plan to become the “most innovative and impactful digital media platform” in India. Whether it will  manage to avoid the usual digital pitfalls remains to be seen, but with Mohan at the helm, it certainly is giving it a go.

  • Amit Shah launches Doordarshan’s new serial ‘Swaraj- Bharat Ke Swatantrata Sangram ki Samagra Gatha’

    Amit Shah launches Doordarshan’s new serial ‘Swaraj- Bharat Ke Swatantrata Sangram ki Samagra Gatha’

    New Delhi: The mega historical new Doordarshan’s Hindi serial ‘Swaraj- Bharat Ke Swatantrata Sangram ki Samagra Gatha’ was launched by Union Minister of Home Affairs and Cooperation Amit Shah on Friday.

    Launching the serial, he said the objective of “Swaraj” would be achieved in a true sense only if the country’s languages, dharma, culture and arts are preserved and its history passed on to future generations.

    Sharing his thoughts on this new show, Shah recalled the time stalwarts like Pandit Jasraj and Ustal Bismillah Khan had said that if it had not been for Akashwani, they would not have existed. “It is not possible to spread the expression of the essence of India without Doordarshan & All India Radio,” he said.

    The minister deliberated on the meaning of the celebration of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav and said it is not just a celebration of our freedom struggle but also of the achievements of the past 75 years since independence, of the sacrifices of the sung and unsung heroes of our freedom struggle.

    “This is also a time when we are visualizing the contours of the future of India and India is only going to attain greater heights of excellence from here,” he added.

    Swaraj is a 75 episode serial produced in 4K/HD quality and will air every Sunday from 9-10 pm on Doordarshan National from 14 August.

    It is being dubbed in nine regional languages along with English. The serial in regional languages Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Gujarati, Oriya, Bengali and Assamese will be broadcast on Doordarshan’s regional channels from 20 August. Starting from the landing of Vasco-da-gama in 1498 the serial presents a rich saga of the heroes of this land.

    Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Anurag Thakur remarked that Doordarshan and All India Radio had done a commendable job of reviving the valiant stories of over 550 freedom fighters and enabling the acquaintance of the younger generations with these unsung heroes.

    Speaking about the serial, the minister said, “It is aimed at reimagining the vision behind the idea of swaraj and tell the stories of the leaders that moulded that idea into a reality. The serial is a manifestation of our pride in these heroes from the past. With satisfaction in his expressions, the minister stated that intense research had gone into making the serial and information and documents have been collected from all the corners of the country to bring to life these stories from our freedom struggle.”

    The Union Minister of State for I&B Dr L. Murugan, Secretary of I&B Apurva Chandra and Prasar Bharati CEO Mayank Agarwal were also present during the launch. Various members of parliament, senior officials of the ministry, Doordarshan and All India Radio news were present on the occasion.

    Speaking on the occasion, Prasar Bharti chief executive officer Mayank Agarwal said, “The serial will be broadcast on Akashwani along with Doordarshan.”

    Agarwal expressed his gratitude to the team behind the production of this serial for their extensive research and diligence.

  • Commonwealth Games 2022 to air exclusively on DD Sports

    Commonwealth Games 2022 to air exclusively on DD Sports

    Mumbai: Doordarshan Sports began to bring all the action live from the 2022 Commonwealth Games ground till the end of the 2022 edition of the Commonwealth Games.

    DD Sports began broadcasting on 28 July 2022, with the grand opening ceremony at Birmingham’s Alexander Stadium. An Indian contingent of 215 sportspeople is competing in 16 sports categories. Because multiple tournaments are taking place at different venues at the same time, the DD Sports broadcast includes extensive coverage of the various events at the games, with a primary focus on all India-related matches, activities, and participation.

    Every day, the broadcast on DD Sports begins at 12 p.m (IST) and continues until the end of the event. DD Sports’ daily broadcast also includes a half-hour pre-show with sports experts and journalists who provide insight into the day’s events. DD Sports anchors provide viewers with information about upcoming events during the day’s breaks.

    Apart from the live broadcast on the DD Sports channel, All India Radio, DD Sports, and All India Radio Sports Twitter handles provide regular updates on the ground.

    72 nations are participating in the Commonwealth Games 2022 being held in Birmingham, England.

  • Celebrating National Broadcasting Day 2022 on 23 July

    Celebrating National Broadcasting Day 2022 on 23 July

    Mumbai: National Broadcasting Day is celebrated in India on 23 July to make people aware of the importance of radio. On this day, the journey of All India Radio started in the year 1927.

    Why do we celebrate National Broadcasting Day? Let us dig into the details!

    This was the day when India got its first radio broadcasting company. A private company named Indian Broadcasting Company Limited (IBC) started its journey as India’s broadcasting company. The Indian broadcasting company started broadcasting radio from Mumbai’s station.

    History of National Broadcasting Day

    The history of broadcasting in India goes back almost thirteen years to the beginning of All India Radio (AIR). In June 1923, the Radio Club of Bombay in the British Raj broadcast for the first time in the country. Five months later, the Calcutta Radio Club was established but the Indian Broadcasting Company (IBC) came into existence on 23 July, 1927.

    All India Radio launched

    All India Radio has come a long way in India. But broadcasting started in 1927 with just two privately owned transmitters in Bombay and Kolkata. In 1930, the government took these transmitters under its control and started running it under the name of Indian Broadcasting Service. In April 1930, the Indian Broadcasting Service under the Department of Labor and Industrial started its operations on an experimental basis. In May 1935, a private radio station was set up in All India Radio, Mysore.

    On 8 June 1936, the Indian State Broadcasting Service known as All India Radio (AIR) was established. In 1956, it was called by the name Akashvani. In 1957, the Vividh Bharati service was started, which created a stir among film and music lovers & became very popular among the public.

    What is AIR?

    All India Radio or All India Radio (AIR) is India’s domestic national radio broadcasting service reaching millions of homes across the country. AIR is a division of Prasar Bharati which was earlier under government control but is now an autonomous body, established by an Act of Parliament.

    India’s public service broadcaster, Prasar Bharati is one of the largest broadcasting organizations in the world. Prasar Bharati has four hundred seventy broadcasting centers across the country, covering about 92 per cent of the country’s area and 99.19 per cent of the total population. It has a reach across 150 countries through medium and short wave services. All India Radio originally broadcasts programs in twenty-three languages and one hundred seventy-nine dialects. As digital takes a lead, the oldest radio broadcaster has turned no stones unturned to stay relevant even in today’s world. It has its online and digital applications too. Prasar Bharati’s NewsonAIR mobile app has more than one million subscribers.

  • Govt allocates DD Kisan Rs 12.05 crore for FY’22: I&B minister Anurag Thakur

    Govt allocates DD Kisan Rs 12.05 crore for FY’22: I&B minister Anurag Thakur

    Mumbai: The Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Anurag Singh Thakur on Tuesday said that the government has allocated a total of Rs 12.05 crore to DD Kisan in financial year 2022-23, which is being utilised for farmers’ education.

    While answering a question asked by a politician and Lok Sabha member from Gujarat during the parliament session, the minister highlighted different initiatives the government is taking to educate farmers and build their capacity by imparting new knowledge.

    The I&B minister noted that Prasar Bharti’s 24×7 satellite TV channel “DD Kisan” is exclusively dedicated to the farmers and the agriculture sector. “The objective of this channel is to serve and educate farmers and build their capacity to use new technologies in their activities and extend its reach to the remotest parts of the country,” he added.

    “The programmes of “DD Kisan” are designed to inform and educate the rural populace and work towards creating a holistic environment for sustainable and inclusive growth,” he added.

    The minister further explained that Krishi Darshan, the field-based stories on technologies in agriculture, major events and success stories, is telecast five days a week and Gaon Kisan, field-based stories on animal husbandry and agripreneurs, is telecast five days a week.

    The programme Krishi Darshan is being telecast on 20 DD Channels in 12 languages, including Hindi. Prasar Bharati also has a dedicated YouTube channel for DD Kisan where the viewers may access this channel and also its various programmes digitally across the globe.

    Further, All India Radio broadcasts a 30-minute, six days a week, dedicated interactive programme, Kisanvani, in respective regional languages, over 96 AIR stations across the country and Kisan Ki Baat programme over FM Gold Channel in Delhi, for the farming community in collaboration with the ministry of agriculture & farmers’ welfare, the government of India, he also added.

    Thakur also mentioned the government’s effort to analyse the utilisation of dedicated channels for farmers.

    He further replied, “the impact of the DD Kisan Channel is regularly monitored through feedback from the farmers during field-based and interactive recording, and from toll-free lines provided for farmers.”

    “The regular analysis and impact of the channel are also done by the scientists and experts from ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research), IARI (Indian Agricultural Research Institute) and KVKs (Krishi Vigyan Kendras), etc.,” he added further.