The entire world was eager to listen to the first speech delivered by the King of England in 1924. The speech was heard all over the world not through any material medium, but through vacuum.
That was a memorable event, marking the beginning of broadcasting. Science, especially
Broadcasting is recognized universally as one of the wonders of modern science,- As a medium of entertainment instruction and publicity, its importance is immense in the modern world. A radio-set is of great help to the people in general and to the navigators and air-travellers in particular.
In the past, a sinking ship had a very little chance to get any aid. But now-a-days it can transmit the news of the disaster through a radio-set. The crew of an ill-fated ship can, thus be saved. An aeroplane can land safely if the pilot is kept informed of the weather condition.
A radio-set can help in minimising the occurrence of air crashes. The Importance of the radio in war-time is great, as it helps different units in the army to maintain contact with one another. But for its help, Mount Everest could not have been conquered by daring people time and again.
The radio has brought the belts of this earth closer. The mystery of a far country is no more there. One can learn the news of a place thousands of miles away from one’s drawing-room. All these news of the world are brought to every door by broadcasting.
The role of the radio is really unique. The greatest importance of the radio lies in its educative and entertaining features. The illiterate masses can be educated through radio-sets by relaying some social programmes. The radio can assume today the greatest and toughest task of fighting illiteracy in a developing country like India.
The tedious problems of agriculture, Social Welfare and unemployment. maybe discussed through the radio by the experts of the respective. The general masses are definitely benefited from such healthy discussions. Any kind of economic or social programme can be best discussed through the radio.
The radio serves all classes of people – young or old. The experienced businessmen get the latest information about the trends in markets. The young sportsman knows the exact position of the Indian cricket team playing in any country by hearing the running commentary.
The lovers of music may enjoy themselves by listening to the ravishing skill of the sweet-voiced artist. The B.B.C. is now teaching modern languages through its programmes. Moreover, weather-charts, daily news, etc. are broadcast for The guidance of people.
There are items suited to the temper of ladies, Students and general people. These are arranged for touching a vast range of topics, from the learning of languages to the dignity of labour.
The radio, no doubt, does great service to humanity. But the devil in Man employes it for mischievous purposes. The Fascists of Germany made a Gross misuse of broadcasting during the Second World War in order to fan the warning spirit of the innocent Germans.
The greedy British Colonists also abused this power to promote their selfish and bloody designs. Besides this, it is generally felt by the people that the party in power is often found to serve its vested interests through broadcasting. It is used to build the Image of the ruling party and to tarnish the image of the opposition.
In fact, as a double-edged weapon of science, it may serve as well as spoil. Even in a democratic country like India, the ruling party has been controlling this power since independence. In a brazen manner, this power has been by the ruler: to project themselves as the only well-wishers of the masses.
The broadcasting department has been under the direct control of the Central Government. The use of the broadcasting department during the emergency was highly disgusting and disappointing. It was used to paint a rosy picture of the country even when the people were facing tortures and excesses at the hands of the rulers.
People shiver when they recall those agonising moments to their minds. The reporting was quite biased, subjective and distorted. This negative role played by the ministry of broadcasting during the days of emergency give rise to the demand of the masses for the liberation of the media from the clutches of the government.
All the political parties have agreed in principle to enact a ‘Prasar Bharti Bill in Parliament and to constitute a Prasar Bharti Board’ which will work independently. The said Bill is lying with the present parliament for its approval.
Broadcasting has its recent rival in Television. The popularity of the latter has certainly affected the position of the former. Yet, its importance remains undeniable in a developing country. The radio continues to be an important force to mould modern manners and morals of the people.
