All India Radio’s Local Station in Nagercoil had bagged ‘Outstanding commercial performance’ award from Prasar Bharati, said A. Shanmugiah, Programme Head, here on Monday.
He told The Hindu that introduction of innovative programmes featuring leading writers, highlighting local issues, interactive phone-on services with the public on civic issues, direct relay of topical events in the district, and village-based programmes got good results.
The Nagercoil station, which achieved a revenue earning of Rs. 59 lakh against the target of Rs. 40 lakh fixed for 2015-16 fiscal, was one among the toppers among the 41 regional radio stations across the nation in terms of revenue collection, Mr. Shanmugiah said.
He said that due to the persistent campaign by the AIR for System Rice Intensification (SRI), the cultivation of paddy had increased by 30 per cent in Kanniyakumari district and the station had initiated establishment of six federations of coconut farmers. Soon a company would be formed by the farmers to add value to coconut products.
This could be achieved with the cooperation of over 15 AIR staff members and the patronage of local people, Mr. Shanmugiah added. The award was given away by S.C. Panda, Member-Personnel, Prasar Bharathi, in the presence of Aparna Vaish, Director General, Doordharshan, he added.
It achieved a revenue earning of Rs. 59 lakh against the target of Rs. 40 lakh fixed for 2015-16 fiscal