To ensure due space to local and regional programming on All India Radio (AIR) stations of Prayagraj, Varanasi, Rohtak, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur, the radio pubcaster has instructed the stations to carry the primary channel originating from the station, to ensure that local content relevant to the particular city/town/region is also available on FM.

In the light of few recent media reports, which are falsely suggesting that Prasar Bharati is going to replace the broadcast of local content in local languages and dialects with Vividh Bharati National service at All India Radio stations in North zone, Prasar Bharati has clarified that local programming on FM will be ensured in all such stations, an official statement said.

These All India Radio stations have also been asked to limit their relay of Vividh Bharati National Service to only four hours a day, from 9 AM to 10 AM in the morning, 3 to 5 pm in the afternoon and 9 to 10 pm in the evening.

The morning announcement on the primary channels at above mentioned stations will also include the frequency details of the FM transmitter at that particular place.

These decisions were taken as part of streamlining of broadcasting operations of All India Radio in North Zone, which further strengthens/encourages local programming, by ensuring FM support to primary channels for availability of local content on FM.