AIR Chennai takes the visual and text route to stay relevant and heard
The Hindu
A bouquet of recent initiatives by All India Radio Chennai parallels the novelty, and even innocuous
A bouquet of recent initiatives by All India Radio Chennai parallels the novelty, and even innocuous irregularity of an ascetic sworn to a life of silence surfacing from soundlessness to go on a tour gregariously talking to audiences about why he would rather stay silent than spout opinions. The upshot of the exercise is to get people to understand and appreciate the eloquence of a zipped mouth, and its benefits: Peace at home, work and in the neighbourhood.
Radio is about disembodied voices and facelessness — not lack of personality, though. AIR Chennai is trying to disturb that perception, much like that silent ascetic holding that mike between his thumb and index finger just to drive home why silence matters.
The government-run radio major is actually trying to “pixelate” the entrenched perception of it dealing only in voices.
Trying to explain the move in the context of managing her section’s (news) YouTube channel, Leela Meenatchi, Joint Director News, Regional News Unit, All India Radio Chennai, wears the hat of a “consumer perception analyst”.
Interviews with any authority figures as part of news coverage would earlier be uploaded on to the YouTube channel and the audio file would run accompanied only by the static visual of an AIR logo.
Leela notes nobody would really want to watch that video — actually, an audio file masquerading as a video — though the content might be of interest to them. And she goes as far as to remark that she shares their sentiment.
So, it was decided that videos of such conversations or interviews would go into AIR Chennai’s YouTube channel.
Over 4.27 lakh students begin SSLC and Plus Two exams in Kerala, with various subjects and exam centers.
Discussion on major development projects, including drinking water, drainage, and parking systems, at the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee meeting.
Water Resources Minister Nimmala Ramanaidu has stated that Godavari Pushkaralu will be conducted from July 23 to August 3, 2027.
Rising obesity rates in India, particularly among women in South Indian States, highlighted with BMI data and PM Modi's advice.
Special educator Soumya Devadiga selected as coach for Indian team in Special Olympics Winter Games in Italy.
Gade Srinivasulu Naidu wins North Coastal Andhra Pradesh Teachers' Constituency election with overwhelming support from teachers.
Congress alleges BJP government in Madhya Pradesh plans to privatise 40% of forests, displacing tribals from their habitat.
Tamil Nadu Governor R.N. Ravi advocates renaming Indus Valley Civilization to Saraswathi Civilization, challenging historical narratives.
A study by researchers from NIMHANS, in collaboration with doctors from Australia, United Kingdom and some states in India, has found suicidal ideation and suicide attempts alarmingly high among college students across the country.
First trial run of disposing 10-tonne Union Carbide toxic waste in Pithampur begins after Supreme Court's decision.
Telangana tunnel collapse rescue updates: Follow the Hindu’s updates as Srisailam Left Bank Canal tunnel rescue operations enter the 11th day
First trial run of disposing 10-tonne Union Carbide toxic waste in Pithampur begins after Supreme Court's decision.
Rwanda-backed M23 rebels abduct 130 patients from hospitals in eastern Congo, escalating conflict and sparking international concern.