User:Cprsneham/C.P. RAJASEKHARAN draft

C.P. RAJASEKHARAN (Broadcaster,Poet & Dramatist ) Ph: 9447814101, E-Mail cp99rajsekhar@gmai.com

EXPERIENCE as a WRITER

Writing articles stories and poems for last 40 years .35 plays, children’s literature and literary criticisms were published by the prominent publishers of Kerala such as National Book Stall, D.C.Books, Mathrubhoomy Books, Poorna Publications,Yuvatha Book Hose, Grand Books, and other Govt. organizations like Institute of Children’s Literature & Sahithya Academy. Some of the books are prescribed texts in Madras University, M.G. University and Kerala University for Pre-Degree and Degree students. One book was prescribed by C.B.S.E. Schools all over India & abroad , as an optional text for SSLC students. Presently writing columns as a Columnist and Social Activist,presenting articles on current issues  in various news papers and publications.

MAIN BOOKS

Moonnu Vayasanmar                                 (Three Old Men)                Stage Play Sthree Enna Sthree                               (Woman, the Woman)                    ,, Doctor Vishramikkunnu                         (Doctor is Relaxing)                     ,, Prathimakal Vilkkanundu                           (Idols for Sale)                     ,, Arutharuthu                                       (No ,Should not)                     ,, Yathrayile Yathra                             (journey through Journey)                ,, YakshaGanam                                      (Song of the Arial)                   ,, Gandhi Marichukondirikkunnu                   (Gandhi is Passing Away)             Ten Plays Soliloquy                                            (Soliloquy)                   Six Plays Jeevitham Sukham                                   (Life is Happy)                Three Plays Manjakkiliyum Mannathikkiliyum                 (Rich Bird & Poor Bird)           Children’s Play Parama Thanthram                                 (Supreme Technique)                   ,, Amritha Kadhakal                                  (Immortal Stories)             Children’s Story Namukkoru Natakam Kaliykam                       (Let Us Play a Drama)           Children's Theater KA Kodungallur                                     (Monogram on KA)                  Biography Veekshanangal Vichinthanangal                      (Views & Visions)                 Criticism Nokkum Vakkum                                      (Looks and Words)             Family Counseling Homam                                                (Oblation)                      Radio Play Chantha                                               (Market)                          ,, Manomy                                             (Novel Adaptation)                   ,, Vikala Swapnangal                                  (Novel Adaptation)                   ,, Kummatty                                           (Novel Adaptation)                   ,, Yajnam                                             (Novel Adaptation)                   ,, Indulekha                                          (Novel Adaptation)                   ,, Aanappaka                                          (Novel Adaptation)                   ,, Kallyani                                           (Novel Adaptation)                   ,, The Mischievous Mind                            (Collection of 26 Poems)            English Poetry

National AWARD WINNING RADIO PRODUCTIONS

Sayujyam                             ( Family Fulfillment )                Character & Harmony Dukha Mayam Sukham                     ( Painful Pleasure )                HIV, Cause & prevention Sahishnutha                                (Tolerance)                          Peace at Hand Manovegam                              ( Speed of the Mind )                    Communication Nissabdadaykum Sabdam                   (Sound for silence)                  silence that talks Snehapoorvam                               ( With Love )                      Radio Counseling Aadi Jalam                              (First Drop of Water)               Water the love & mercy Subha Dinam                               ( Good Morning )                  Integration & Oneness

LITERARY AWARDS

Kerala Sahithya Academy Award - 1987        ( Best literary Award of the State ) for the best Malayalam play (Moonnu Vayasanmar) published in 1984. Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy Award        ( Best theater Award of the State ) For the total theater contrbution(1991), Doordarshan Award - 1992                       ( Best TV Award of the State ) for the best contribution Akashvani National Awards (10 times )        ( Best Radio Award of the Nation ) for various scripts and production. Best Music Production                                      ,, Best Documentary                                           ,, Best family & health Program                               ,, Best National Integration Program                          ,, Awaas Award Bombay - 2005                         ( Best Visual Script ) BES Awards – 2005 & 2006                  ( Best Public Service Broadcaster of India ) International Radio Festival Nomination for the Radio Play, IRIB , Iran–2007      (International Acceptance of Indian Play )

FOREIGN VISITS

Visited Germany, America, Canada, France and Arabian countries on various assignments and taken demonstration–lectures in various foreign universities on Theater, Aesthetics, Media Management, Indian Philosophy; and on Women’s Issues & Empowerment

BROADCAST &  MEDIA EXPERIENCE

35 Years of experience in writing, directing & organizing Stage, TV & Radio programs. 15 years experience in Producing Directing & Presenting T.V talk-shows, Experience in leading & guiding the TV - production-team both for the studio & Out Door Production Conceived ,Written & Produced interviews documentaries and T.V. Films on various issues of Women. 20 yrs of Team-Leader experience in managing Radio & TV stations at various places & conditions  all over the country by working as the Program Executive, Asst. Director & Director of Radio & TV stations. Vast Teaching Experience IN Media Management & Script writing & Radio / TV production

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

Research papers published on theater, folk music and dance of Rajasthan and on North – Eastern folk theater concepts Presented thesis on Self Esteem on adolescents, to the Kerala University. The last Radio Play recently written on the Research Background of Yakshagana is nominated for the 8th international Radio award festival

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Post Graduation in Sanskrit Language and Literature and additional degree in Education Diploma in T.V. Production & Direction( Pune Film & T.V. Institute) Diploma in Drama Production, from Germany Diploma in Media management of Radio & TV. Post Graduate diploma in Child Adolescent & Family Counseling ,Kerala Uty. Having sufficient computer knowledge. Fluent in English, Hindi , Tamil , Sanskrit & Malayalam

ASSIGNMENTS RECEIVED

Director - All India Radio Director – Doordarshan Chairman & Ceo – Radio Shoot Governing Council Member – CEC of UGC Member – State Cultural Publication Member – Sahithya Academy External Examiner & Member of Board of studies of Media & Mass communication in Kerala University, MG University ,Malalayalam University & Calicut University Visiting Professor on Media Production & Script writing in various universities & academies of communication & journalism. Director – Educational FM Channel of IGNOU Chairman – Mahatma Gandhi National Foundation Secretary – Central School Management Committee Director – Board member of various cultural organizations Columnist and Social Critic

Address - C P RAJASEKHARAN, MAITHRI LANE, RAMAVARMA PURAM, THRISSUR. Ph - 0495 6499125. Mob - 91 9447814101. cp99rajsekhar@gmail.com

Brief biography

Born on September 9th 1947, in an Indian village, as the son of Purushothaman Nair & Parukutty Amma of Ernakulam district; and brought up by mother in an average living situation, as the father passed away at the age of two. Completed school education from the Govt. LP School, Nanthiattukunnam, Govt. High School, North Parur and SNV. Sanskrit High School.Then graduated from the Government Sanskrit College, and did the post graduation from the University College, Thiruvananthapuram of Kerala University. Later received an additional degree in Education from the Govt.Training College, Thrissur of Calicut University. Associated with the Gandhian ideology and the Sarvodaya Movement of Gandhi Peace Foundation of Gandhi Smaraka Nidhi, Nanthiattukunnam and was elected as the leader of the children's group of Gandhi Mandiram, in the village at the age of 13; and started participating in social activities from the very early age of child hood. Elected as the school leader, while studying in the 10th class of SNV Sanskrit High School. Started working with student union and elected as the magazine editor, arts club secretary, general secretary and chairman of the college union continuously in the college election of Govt. Sanskrit College Thiruvananthapuram, getting an opportunity to have active participation in the literary and social platforms of the student community, and attended student-teacher inter actions with the authorities and educational institutions throughout the college life. Also elected as the president of the Youth wing of Gandhi Peace Foundation of Gandhi Smarak, Thiruvananthapuram while studying for post graduation, that gave space and time to work for the poor and needy at a young age itself.Started the career as a teacher, in Kozhikode Sanskrit Vidya Peeth, Kallai Ganapath High School and Mavoor Rayon's High School, teaching Sanskrit language and literature, and Indian philosophy;Started speaking on philosophy, aesthetics, and other social subjects, as an orator, all over the state. Joined All India Radio with a career in electronic media and worked for Radio & TV, in various capacities from the post of Program announcer to the post of director of Radio & TV serving 35 years, covering almost all states of India, winning national and international reputation in scripting directing and producing Radio & TV programs. Studied English literature, philosophy, and psychology, in the mean time, by own effort, and took an additional Post graduate diploma in psychological counseling from the Kerala university to support the Radio - TV counseling programs. Conducting child, adult and family counseling, for the last 15 years, apart from the official assignments, working extra time, to uplift the mental faculty of the young people to get them motivated and to bring back them to the normal life by giving motivation therapy and psycho therapy, as a charitable free service, associating with hospitals and educational institutions and social organizations all over the State.One mobile phone is fully dedicated for public service and made accessible to all who need free help or advice or counseling of any sort ; and the very needy and poor who need personal help are treated and served at home; And started rescuing and rehabilitating, isolated and neglected children at home, giving confidence and living environment. Staged the first play, at the age of five and started acting as a child artist in famous plays presented by the professional theaters of the state. Started writing scripts for amateur children's theater groups at the young age itself, associating with various theater groups in schools, colleges and in the local arts-clubs and started publishing stories and poems in school-college magazines and local publications.The whole college life was spent experimenting with plays in the open theater forums, along with the professional actors and theater activists of the State, along with the literary and social activities, as a best student, an all-rounder. The Sanskrit education tempted to get closer with world classics and the college education in Trivandrum was an opportunity to have association with reputed professors and famous writers, who inspired reading books of great writers of the literary world ;it was from the college life, that the flavor of literature was noticed by the professors and was encouraged in that line. Joining with radio profession, compelled to write and do productions with innovative ideas that could capture the listeners' appreciation, as radio was the only entertaining media, then, reaching every home; And the first full-fledged, perfect play, 'The Oblation' (Homam) was broadcast, receiving much appreciation and then followed the broadcast and publication of a lot of creative works.Writing poetry, lyrics, musical features, documentaries and plays, became a part of the job and then the creative writing was flourished by publishing articles, columns, poems, stories and plays in various newspapers from 1976 onward. The first book, (Three Old Men) published in 1986, on the old-age agony, received the Literary Academy Award of the State, and followed by other awards and reputation, as a well-established dramatist and poet. Now published more than 3 dozens of titles that include Plays,Children's literature,literary criticisms, Monographs, Family counseling and Poems. Latest publication, 'The Mischievous Mind' Poetry Collection in English - August 2012.

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NEWS APPEARED IN NATIONAL NEWS PAPER, 'THE HINDU'

Cities » Kozhikode Kozhikode, October 15, 2013 The word is sacred in all religions: C.P. Rajasekharan

The concept of ‘Vaagdevatha,’ which is worshipped by Indians in its different incarnations such as ‘Durga,’ ‘Kali,’ Mother, Nature and Power, is only the concept of ‘The word’ which is sacred and sanctified in different faiths across the world, C.P. Rajasekharan, writer has said. He was delivering a talk on ‘Secularism and the Indian concept of goddess of words,’ jointly organised by the Creative Council of Indian Writers and the Chavara Cultural Centre in connection with the Vijayadashami celebrations at the Chavara Hall in the city on Monday. Stating that the Indian concept in that sense is a universal concept, Dr. Rajasekharan said that ‘Saraswathy’ was the goddess of words and hence was not pertaining to any particular religion. “Worshipping the word means to be deeply aware of our common beginning, and it is a spiritual journey that takes one closer to truth,” he said. Dr. Rajasekharan said that any sensitive and thinking person should worship words. He said that the root cause of all the problems faced by the present world is man’s negligence and irreverence towards words. He said that it was with one’s words that a person attracted or repelled the world. “Worshipping the word will only take one closer to truth, which is otherwise called God,” he said. Historian M.G.S. Narayanan, who presided over the function, said that people who practised different faiths were not aware of the commonalities owing to their parochial attitude. While materialism and spirituality were conflicting concepts in Western philosophy they were not so in the Indian Philosophy, said Dr. Narayanan. He said the concept of secularism was defined constructively in the Indian context. “It doesn’t negate God or religion; instead it allows the peaceful coexistence of diverse thoughts and search for truth,” he said. An all-religion prayer song was presented at the venue. Chavara Cultural Centre Director Fr. Jose Idappadi welcomed the gathering. A public discussion was also part of the programme. -  Staff Reporter Vaagdevatha, C.P. Rajasekharan, Chavara Cultural Centre, Chavara Hall – 14th Oct. 2013 Mangalore: Radio in city to sing different tunes ________________________________________

Published Date: 08 Feb, 2007 (6:34 PM) MANGALORE Feb 9: The radio will soon cackle. Listeners in City from September onwards will have a range of options and can choose from private FM stations like KAL Radio, Adlabs Films, Enil, Century Comm-or the ever reliable Mangalore AIR. With the arrival of Cable Transmitting Systems (CTS), work has begun on providing co-location and co-transmitting facilities for the four private FM players at Mangalore AIR premises. Under a Common Transmission Infrastructure agreement signed between private FM stations and Prasar Bharati, Mangalore AIR will share its infrastructure with FM players-for a fat fee, says AIR Station Director C P Rajasekharan. Members of Broadcast Engineering Consultants India Limited (BECIL), who were formerly with AIR, are expected to complete the task of providing tower aperture, cover space, antennae cable among others by end of March. The private FMs who have partially paid the money committed during the successful bidding will go on air any time from April depending on their ability to pool resources and marshall talents to anchor shows. "The programmes of private FM stations transmitted from three kilo watt transmission tower will cover a radius of eight kilometres," informs Rajasekharan and adds; "It may extend even uptown 50 kms due to climatic advantages." The entry of private FMs will influence Mangalore's taste for music, which is still conventional, says Hashish Rai who anchored the popular hip-hop (an English listener request programme) on Mangalore AIR.A student of Manipal Institute of Communication (MICR) in Manipal, Rai says there will be a huge demand for disc-jockeys and people of all ages will take up radio-jockey as a part-time or full-time job. C P Rajasekharan is not unduly worried on the intense competition from private FMs and doomed predictions. In fact there will be competition within ourselves to make better programmes, he emphasised confidently. So in September prepare to be wooed. New Ind Press

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Message 1 of 1, Feb 9, 2007

AIR Mangalore is on target for an end March 2007 handover of facilities and infracture to private FM stations, according to AIR Mangalore Station Director C P Rajasekharan.

Full Story : AIR Mangalore Station Director C P Rajasekharan said yesterday that work had begun on providing co-location and co-transmitting facilities for the four private FM players - and that the premises would be ready for occupation by the end of next month.

The four FM stations are KAL Radio, Adlabs Films, ENIL and Century Comm.

Under a Common Transmission Infrastructure agreement signed between private FM stations and Prasar Bharati, Mangalore AIR will share its infrastructure with FM players for a flat fee.

FM radio is expected to be extremely successful in Mangalore considering the number of engineering colleges that are well within range of the FM signals.

Via www.indiaradiobulletin.com

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(Mukesh Kumar via dxld)

Kerala's first FM channel on education goes on air

PTI Apr 15, 2010, 09.24pm IST

KOCHI: Gyanvani, the first educational FM channel in Kerala, which will be airing programmes on different courses, became operational from Thursday.The channel would be different from other FM channels as it would have no advertisements, no repeat broadcast of the same dance or music, according to a press release from C P Rajasekharan, station director of the FM. Programmes on post graduate diploma in audio programme production, post graduate diploma in Radio Prasaran and certificate course in Community Radio would also be offered. Other programmes in the pipeline include Post graduate diploma in Plantation management and Post graduate Diploma in Teaching and Research in Management. AIR director greeted with black oil for 'anti-VS' remarks Fri Feb 10, 2006 10:22 am KOZHIKODE: Pro-Left DYFI activists on Thursday poured black oil on local All India Radio Station director C P Rajasekharan protesting his reported remarks against Leader of the Opposition in Kerala Assembly V S Achuthanandan, Police said. A group of DFYI volunteers pounced on Rajasekharan as soon as he arrived at Vatakara near here to participate in a function and poured black oil on him as a mark of protest against his recent remarks against Achuthanandan, police said. Rajasekharan had reportedly criticised Achuthanandan while addressing a public function here last week. While four DYFI workers, who allegedly indulged in the act, had been identified, no arrests had been made so far, they said.

Blending martial arts on a learning platform

Kozhikode: ‘Malabar meets Manipur,' to be held at the Pottekkat Cultural Centre on November 6 and 7, will feature the traditional martial art forms of Malabar and Manipur.

About 30 artistes from Manipur would take part in the programme organised by the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU).

A committee was formed on Monday to choose ‘kalaripayattu' performers from Malabar.

A music and dance programme blending the traditions of the two regions is being planned.

There would be lecture-demonstrations to delineate the stylistic differences and similarities of the art forms in the two regions. There would be an exhibition of costumes and different ‘kalari treatment systems.'

IGNOU Vice-Chancellor V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai would attend the inaugural session. Folklore expert Raghavan Payyanad would make a presentation on ‘Theyyam traditions' and historian M.G.S. Narayanan on the ‘Cultural history of Malabar.'

Scholars from Manipur would speak on Manipuri culture with special reference to the martial art forms of that State. C.P. Rajasekharan and N.V. Sreedharan, spokesmen for IGNOU, said on Monday that the university would consider using inputs from the programme to give shape to a certificate course in martial arts intended to be offered through its community colleges.

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Freedom of Speech: Communist Version

By Jayakrishnan Nair on February 10, 2006 in India You know how much the Communists are for freedom of speech. So long as you are not searching for Tibet or Falun Gong, you are free to use Google in China. Their brothers in Kerala too love freedom of speech and they show their affection by pouring oil on people. Recently the Director of All India Radio (Kozhikode) made some remarks against V.S.Achyutanandan, the head honcho of the Kerala Communists and it did not go well with the monkey brigade called DYFI. Black oil was poured on C.P. Rajasekharan, Director of All India Radio (AIR), Kozhikode, as he came out from the Town Hall in Vatakara in the district on Thursday. A group of persons, said to be Democratic Youth Federation of India workers, shouted slogans against Mr. Rajasekharan after pouring the oil. [AIR Director comes under attack] Women all around the world are fighting for equal rights as men. The Communists are all for that too. Oil was poured on Leela Abhilash who had the audacity to – and hold your breath here – to contest an election in a democratic India. - See more at: http://varnam.nationalinterest.in/2006/02/freedom_of_speech_communist_ve/#sthash.v4IeB4YR.dpuf

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വണ്ഇന്ത്യ » മലയാളം » വാര്ത്ത » കേരളവാര്ത്ത സി.പി രാജശേഖരന്റെ ദേഹത്ത് ഡിവൈഎഫ്ഐക്കാര് കരിഓയില് ഒഴിച്ചു

വടകര: ആകാശവാണി കോഴിക്കോട് സ്റേഷന് ഡയറക്ടര് സി.പി രാജശേഖരന്റെ ദേഹത്ത് ഡിവൈഎഫ്ഐക്കാര് കരിഓയില് ഒഴിച്ചു. വടകരയില് സര്ക്കാര് ജീവനക്കാരുടെ പുര എന്ന സംഘടനയുടെ ഒന്നാംവാര്ഷികം ഉദ്ഘാടനം ചെയ്ത ശേഷം പുറത്തുവന്നപ്പോഴാണ് അദ്ദേഹത്തിന്റെ ദേഹത്ത് കരിഓയില് ഒഴിച്ചത്. കോഴിക്കോട് കഴിഞ്ഞ ദിവസം നടന്ന കോണ്ഗ്രസ് പരിപാടിയില് പങ്കെടുത്ത രാജശേഖരന് പ്രതിപക്ഷനേതാവ് വി.എസ് അച്യുതാനന്ദനെ അപഹസിച്ചു സംസാരിച്ചതിനെ തുടര്ന്നാണ് ഡിവൈഎഫ്ഐക്കാര് കരിഓയില് ഒഴിച്ചത്. ഐസ്ക്രീം കേസില് ലീഗ് നേതാവ് കുഞ്ഞാലിക്കുട്ടിക്കെതിരെ നടക്കുന്ന ആരോപണങ്ങളില് പ്രതിഷേധിച്ച് യുഡിഎഫ് അനുകൂലികളായിരുന്നു ഈ പരിപാടി സംഘടിപ്പിച്ചത്. കരിഓയില് കണ്ണില് പോയതിനെ തുടര്ന്ന് രാജശേഖരന് ഡോക്ടറെ കണ്ട ശേഷം പൊലീസ് അകമ്പടിയോടെ തൃശൂരിലേക്ക് പോയി.

Read more at: http://malayalam.oneindia.in/news/2006/02/09/kerala-rajasekharan-black-oil.html

Timely tribute to Uroob

MALEEHA RAGHAVIAH

`Uroob: Kalamthanneyanu' attempts to cover the entire gamut of works and characters of Uroob's novels and more.

Quiet flows the Kallayi: Transforming Uroob's novels on celluloid. "What I have sought to depict is the inherent element of timelessness in Uroob's novels - like Ponnani or Kallayi rivers. It portrays the deep sensitivity of the author and the vibrancy of his novels. Of ordinary souls immortalised, the element of poetry in the flowing of a river or the fragrance of the pepper vine," says C.P. Rajasekharan, the director of `Uroob: Kalamthanneyanu,' on writer Uroob alias P.C. Kuttikrishnan. "I knew Uroob personally. I felt it was my duty to make a film on him. Many a time he was the producer, and I the director. This documentary is a continuation of that association," he adds. Rajasekharan, who is the Director, All India Radio, Kozhikode, says Uroob's son, Sudhakaran, who resembles his father, seemed the right choice to enact the role. M.T. Vasudevan Nair, litterateur, who switched on the camera for the docu-film,and others who knew Uroob well, were surprised at the similarity between the father and son - not just the looks, but the mannerisms as well. Initially, Sudhakaran was sceptical. But once he got into the mode, he carried on in the most informal manner. "Before I started shooting the film, I visited Ponnani and interacted with some of the characters, who are still around. I read Uroob's works. This docu-film is a recreation of his works, personality and experiences," says Rajasekharan. By juxtaposing imageries of the familiar scenes in Uroob's novels with the characters who dominated his stories, Rajasekharan has woven a tapestry that appeals to the heart and strikes a chord with the viewers. Jayan Chembazhanthi handles the camera. Characters of `Ummachu' Except for the opening scene, what follows is fiction. There are fleeting depictions of `Ummachu,' a name that conjures up pictures of the woman who has been immortalised by Uroob, and the profusely read novel by the same name. "Possibly, Uroob met the character in `Ummachu' during one of his visits to Ponnani court," adds Rajasekharan. The documentary portrays the extraordinary beauty and inner strength that Uroob recognised in ordinary people; his reflections on Malabar during the Second World War and after, and the communal harmony in the social milieu. The bond between Edassery Govindan Nair and Uroob forms the basis of many episodes. Amminiattathi, the empowered woman, glimpses of Hassanar, Chakkunni Nair and Nalini, all immortalised by Uroob, find place in the documentary. Uroob's school in Ponnani, and his ambition to be a postman are not forgotten. One gets glimpses of the Kuttipuram and the Kallayi bridges, which had much symbolism for Uroob, Radha Theatre at Sweet Meat Bazaar, which was the rendezvous of writers in Kozhikode, including S.K. Pottekkat. Experienced director Rajasekharan has made docu-fictions on Vishu, Easter and the Cochin Shipyard. He won the Kerala Sahitya Akademi award for Best Malayalam play in 1987, Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi award for total contribution to theatre in 1991, Doordarshan award for best scripting and production and Akashavani national awards several times for scripts and productionThe 50th anniversary of Uroob's novel `Ummachu' had invoked memories of the noted novelist's characters in a hundred ways, and this docu-film is a walk down memory lane, and a tribute to the popular writer.

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Mangalore to get 4 pvt FM channels soon

Last Updated on Sunday, 15 April 2007 00:00 Sunday, 15 April 2007 00:00 Searching for some fresh enticing voice on your radio, after feeling monotonous of the usual news or analysis of current affairs? Not much days are remaining to end your anticipation.

People in and around the City, coming under about 20 km radius, can soon tune into the entertaining private FM channels, not one but four in all.

Yes, get ready to welcome the bonanza that will hit the City within a month or two. This time, you will listen to the voices, which will be very much of your own, functioning from your own district headquarters.

Kal Radio (The Sun Group), Adlabs Films, ENIL (Radio Mirchi) and Century Communications, who have won the bids from Prasar Bharahi almost a year ago, are now gearing up to launch their channels in the City. The process of installing transmitters in the premises of AIR Mangalore at Kadri is in progress, which is expected to be finished by the end of April.

Some of the companies have already started recruiting and training radio jockeys (RJs), who are simultaneously conducting surveys in and around the city, in order to get a clear picture of the kind of the listenership they are going to get.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, AIR Mangalore Station Director C P Rajasekharan said the private FM channels would function from the Akashvani premises itself, where the All India Radio would provide basic facilities like space and towers.

“Broadcast Engineering Society of India (BESI) has been providing engineering assistance to the private companies in installing the towers. The works have been started in February itself, which will be completed by the end of this month. It is left to the companies to decide the day of launching their programmes,” he explained.

Mr Rajasekharan said private participation was the need for the day for a healthy competition and quality enhancement.

This will not at all be an obstacle for the survival of AIR. Many of our dynamic youth are going to get admiring jobs if they are workaholic. This would start another phase in communication revolution, he observed.

Will the ‘FM culture’ attract Mangaloreans; Will the private stake holders be successful in catching up the pulse of the coastal belt; Will they reap plenty out of their primary deposit... are the present questions before the public.

TOWARDS PRIVATISATION

The Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) permitted to start 338 new FM stations across 91 cities in the country last year, which came under 5 categories, namely A+, A, B, C and D. Cities like New Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai and Kolkata fall under the A+ category, while those like Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, Jaipur fall under A category. Mangalore falls under the ‘C’ category. It was a milestone decision of the Union government on the path of privatising and popularising the broadcasting sector. Out of the 91 selected cities, each city will get varying number of stations, on the grounds of demand and capacity. For example, a city like Mumbai will get 7 stations, while a city like Mangalore gets 4 stations with 1 kw transmitters.

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