Essay on “Broadcasting” Complete Essay for Class 10, Class 12 and Graduation and other classes.

Broadcasting

The invention of radio or wireless is one of the modern marvels. It has had been one of the greatest, most popular and the cheapest means of mass media. Radio means communication or dissemination of ideas, information and entertainment without using the wires..It is the quickest and the cheapest gleans of transmission which has transgressed all the barriers of time and space. It has truly made the world one and more united. A message broadcast from a radio-station can be heard nor all over the world by switching on wireless receiving sets popularly known as radios.

As a means of mass communication, radio has been put to many uses. It is being used as an effective medium not only to inform and educate the teeming millions but also to provide healthy entertainment through broadcast of music, songs, plays, talks, etc. Thus, radio is proving its worth in many valuable ways. In spite of the fact that then) is now television, the utility of broadcasting is still great. For the masses in the villages, towns and far-flung rural areas of the developing countries broadcasting would remain a boon for many years to come. Masses of all classes listen to radio broadcasts with great interest. They do not feel isolated or ill informed because of radio. They listen educative talks, lectures, plays, news, etc., on their radio sets besides film, folk and classical music and songs. It helps them to widen their horizon of thinking. Their minds developed, they begin to understand and participate in the national and international affairs. Radio is the most popular means of entertainment. People spend much of their leisure in listening radio broadcasts. Even very poor people can afford to buy a radio or a transistor-radio. It is also very convenient to take pocket transistor-radio from one place to another. Transistor-radios have revolutionised the life of men. As a means of educating masks, radio has no equal. For distance education radio is being used on a large scale in many countries like China,   India, Egypt, Pakistan and those of Africa. People have now become literate to a large extent due to radio. They have become enlightened in their own way and take interest in national and international issues and problems. The farmers and agriculturists are now better equipped to grow three or more crops every year because of radio. Now they have better crops and cattle yield as various issues related to agriculture, etc., are scientifically discussed on the radio. They are told about improved inputs like fertilizers, seeds, implements, conservation, control of pests, etc. The general awareness of the people about life and its problems has increased tremendously. People are now less superstitious and narrow-minded than before because of broadcasting. They have become politically and culturally more conscious, and as a result of this there has been a healthy and welcome change in their ideas and outlook.

The commercial use of radio is also great. It has helped in the progress of business and trade. All the people may not be able to read, but they can hear and understand what is said on radio. As a means of mass advertising, radio is matchless. Various things, commodities, etc. and their rates are advertised on radio, which helps the customers to choose right things for their use. The advertisements through radio reach the maximum number of people. The appeal of radio advertisements coupled with songs, music and witty dialogues have a special appeal to the listeners. Commercial broadcasts have proved a bonanza to the business community. Business has increased many folds only because of advertisements couched in irresistible and tempting language on radio. On the whole, broadcasting has proved a multi-purpose media to serve the  masses.

Broadcasting started in India in 1927 with two privately owned transmitters at Bombay and Calcutta. They were taken-over by the Government in 1930 and were operated under the name of Indian Broadcasting Service which was changed to All India Radio(AIR) in 1936. Since 1957 it came to be known as Akashvani. AIR is now the biggest media organisation covering over 9.0% population of the country. In 1947 it consisted of only six radio stations, but now the number has increased to about 100 which includes commercial centres of Vividh Bharati. AIR covers all the important cultural and linguistic regions of the country. Broadcasting in India has preserved and popularized music in its classical, popular, light, folk and tribal forms. Now there is a greater awareness of Indian music among the people because of regular music broadcasts. It also broadcasts music lessons and music appreciation programmes regularly to create a better appreciation of the rich musical heritage of the country.

Through overseas transmission, AIR satisfies the cultural needs of Indian nationals living abroad. The music archives of AIR are among the most important collections of music records in the country.

Vividh Bharati broadcasts popular entertainment programmes, which include film music, humorous skits, short plays and features. Commercial service includes short advertisements and sponsored programmes. Besides original plays, radio adaptations of famous novels, short stories and ‘stage plays are also broadcast. The national programme of features focuses attention on matters of national interest in the political, economic, cultural and social spheres. Comprehensive and speedy coverage of news is there through news bulletins and discussions on current affairs, Besides  noticing major trends in political, social, economic, culture and scientific fields, it gives adequate attention to parliamentary  proceedings, rural developments and sports activities There are special programmes for armed forces, youth’, women and children, students, rural and tribal people and industrial workers. Then there are weather bulletins. For r students there is broadcast based on the school curriculum, Radio support to university correspondence degree courses is also provided.

Thus, broadcasting in India has been serving a very useful purpose. It is because of radio and broadcasting that the recorded speeches of great Indian leaders, music of great masters and the recitation of poetry, etc., by the famous poets have been preserved in the form of tape recordings. But broadcasting has some of its drawbacks. Radios played on high volume by uneducated and unenlightened people cause noise pollution and a lot of disturbance. During cricket season, people waste lot of their time in listening running commentary. There is too much of film songs and music which spoils the youth. But, in fact, the radio is just an instrument. It is we who are wholly responsible for its good or bad use. If properly used, radio is a wonderful thing.