(a) whether the Government has adopted any mechanism to establish the
quality of programmes being produced and broadcast by the All India Radio
(AIR) stations in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof, AIR-wise and State-wise;
(c) if not, the reasons therefor; and
(d) the corrective measures taken by the Government to broadcast quality
content through AIR stations?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING
(SHRI C. M. JATUA)
(a) to (d): Prasar Bharati, All India Radio has informed that improvement of
the quality of AIR programmes is a continuous process. All India Radio has
a wide network. Audience Research Units across the country, periodically conduct
audience surveys and regularly provide feedback about the programmes broadcast
on different AIR Stations/channels. Programme Advisory Committees, constituted
at various AIR Stations, include distinguished personalities/experts from various
fields. Their suggestions for improvement in the quality of programmes are paid
due attention. Feedback received from listeners is also given due importance.
All India Radio is also improving its network to enhance technical quality of
programmes. The work of digitalization has been initiated at 165 AIR Stations.
Regional Programme Coordination Committee meetings are organized
every quarter wherein programme officers from all AIR Stations in the concerned
State/region exchange experiences, views and ideas and formulate strategies for
betterment of programmes. AIR has an institutional mechanism wherein music artists,
drama artists and sports commentators are screened and auditioned and also graded
by duly constituted Committees/Boards so that broadcast of quality content in
these formats is ensured.