‘Farmers still patronise Akashvani’

While All India Radio (AIR) has to compete with other private FM stations for urban audience, farmers reportedly continue to patronise the State-owned AIR. Programme Executive at AIR, Mysuru, M. Shivakumar said their programme “Kisanvani” is hugely popular among the farmers. The programme provides useful information to the farming community on various agriculture-related activities. AIR’s weekly programmes like “Navilu Guri,” “Coffee Thindi,” and “Allalli” too command a huge listenership.

Unlike private FM stations that lure listeners through music and movie-related programmes, AIR is obliged to cater to all sections of the society, said Station Director of AIR, Mysuru, M. Raghavendra. “We have programmes not only for city dwellers, but also for farmers, women, children, elderly and the youth,” he added.