The radio falls silent

In the world of commercialism, with updates flashing on the mobile screen and live telecast of the cricket matches available in the comfort of the drawing rooms, radio commentary, a rage once, seems to have died a slow death.

For a passionate cricket follower, tuning in to the radio at unearthly hours and hearing the voice of the commentator crackling from a remote corner of the world was one of the ways to keep in touch with the game. And then television arrived and slowly dominated the way cricket was followed all over the world.

Radio, however, continues to appeal to listeners in most cricket-playing nations, with call-in shows during the matches giving the fans a platform to express their views. Unfortunately, All India Radio, with a rich past of taking the game to the farthest towns and villages, has not kept pace with the times and for a second consecutive series, it has left its fans in the lurch.

Broadcast issues

It is learnt that the Board and AIR have not been able to sort out the issues related to rights of broadcast. Market forces obviously have dictated the situation and thousands of fans have been deprived of following the ongoing India-South Africa series.

“I am deeply saddened by the fact that there is no radio commentary,” lamented Dr. Narottam Puri, one of the finest cricket commentators India has heard.

“There is no reason why AIR should abdicate itself from the responsibility of providing ball-by-ball commentary. The AIR is committed to this service to sport and there is a place for radio despite the popularity of television.”

For long, AIR had engaged commentators at a poor fee and managed to serve the purpose by doing it off-tube.

“I have done it too,” said Dr. Puri, once used to occupying vantage spots for AIR at most stadiums around the world. “The AIR has brought it upon itself with its ‘please-all’ policy. They have to choose the best and not just give a chance to all and sundry.”

The mediocre stuff generated by AIR may have caused anguish to the likes of Dr. Puri but he had a point.

“Can you carry TV sets wherever you go? Radio still has a wide reach and as State broadcaster, AIR must not let the cricket fans down. I think AIR has to do it and do it well,” said Dr. Puri.