25 Aug Sneak Peek: RedTech Magazine Sept/Oct Issue Features Insight into India’s Radio Landscape and DRM Developments

In RedTech Magazine’s upcoming Sept/Oct issue, Honorary Chairman of the DRM India Chapter, Mr Yogendra Pal, provides valuable insight into the country’s radio landscape and DRM developments. Here’s a sneak peek.

India’s radio market is vast and varied. Three types of broadcasters work in parallel to ensure national coverage. These are All India Radio, the radio arm of the public service broadcaster, Prasar Bharati; private FM stations; and a host of community radio stations.

AIR broadcasts in medium wave, shortwave as well as FM bands. AIR coverage in medium wave is nearly 100% by population, whereas only around 52% in FM. Private broadcasters and community radio stations are allowed to broadcast only in the FM band. Coverage of private FM broadcasters is limited to about 50%, most of which is overlapping with that of AIR’s.

In total, AIR is using 35 medium-wave transmitters ranging from 20 kW to 1000 kW to transmit in DRM. Five of these are operational 24/7 in pure DRM with the remaining 30 in simulcast, with one hour in pure DRM. Another six high power MW transmitters are being tested in DRM and these are expected to be carrying regular DRM service shortly.

AIR carries two to three digital audio services from a single medium-wave transmitter, along with the Journaline text service and has successfully carried out tests of the Emergency Warning Functionality in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority.

The full article will be available on https://www.redtech.pro/ at the end of September.

Yogendra Pal, Hon Chair, DRM India Chapter

25/08/2021