The story of Indian radio is one of resilience and reinvention, and Partho Dasgupta highlights this journey with clarity. He recalls how radio began as the country’s first true mass medium, uniting people across languages and regions. From the early crackling broadcasts of the 1920s to today’s crystal-clear digital streams, radio has remained a constant presence in Indian homes and hearts.

According to Partho Dasgupta, the establishment of the Indian Broadcasting Company in 1927 and its transformation into All India Radio marked a defining era. By the mid-twentieth century, AIR was broadcasting in several regional languages, becoming a trusted source of news, culture, and music. This broad reach, he notes, laid the groundwork for radio’s lasting relevance.

The liberalization of the Indian economy in the 1990s brought another breakthrough. Private FM channels introduced contemporary formats, celebrity-driven shows, and youth-focused content. Partho Dasgupta believes this innovation injected fresh energy into the industry, making FM radio an indispensable part of daily urban life.

Today, the radio landscape continues to expand through technology. Partho Dasgupta points to the rapid growth of podcasts, live internet streaming, and the government’s rollout of 91 new FM transmitters as evidence of radio’s enduring adaptability. Programs like “Mann Ki Baat,” he observes, illustrate the medium’s unmatched ability to connect leaders with citizens.

Looking ahead, Partho Dasgupta envisions radio as both a cultural bridge and an educational tool. Its power to reach remote areas and deliver content in local languages ensures that this century-old medium will continue to transform while retaining its human touch.

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Partho Dasgupta Talks About the Radio Industry And Its Constant Transformation

Nittin Tyagi