We have radio stations like NPR (National Public Radio) in the USA that produces and distributes thought-provoking programs related to current affairs. It engages in meaningful debates on all current topics. I always found that station to be most used by folks driving to work (Average of 40 minutes of drive time for any commuter). It provides intellectually-stimulating discussions for the civilized world.
I have been wondering why we do not have such channels in the cities of India. Is there a cost barrier to this? Are there any infrastructural limitations? I can see a burgeoning mid-class market for such a program. A typical car-owner in the country today spends a lot of time in traffic. This will be such a meaningful use of the time. While music and other chirpy FM talk-shows provide some entertainment, I think a channel like NPR will go along way in serving the market needs of the current advanced Indian.
I would certainly like to hear your thoughts on this. I am sure there would be some hurdles (if not, we should have had this type of channel on the air long ago)
- Though-Provoking Radio programs - October 21, 2007
I am interested to hear more concrete data about the “restrictions on news and current affairs in private broadcasting”. It surprises me to hear that Radio is any different from TV medium. The same discussions/debates we get in these 24-hour news channels can be had in Radio channels too.
I also believe that there is a good IT Industry crowd driving cars between 8:00-10:00 AM and 6:00-9:00 PM. I think there is enough market if some channel decided to venture. Infact, I can even bet that there would be great advertisement opportunities in this market that has high disposable income.
NPR to be frank is boring, they cover only fringe topics which nobody cares about. Like a previous comment, they didn’t do anything to come with accurate information before iraq war. Initially i was naive and impressed by them but now I don’t listen to it any more. NPR don’t have any say in american public policies.