‘Temporary shift’ of Dharwad AIR news unit sparks outrage

Pic: Akshvani office, DharwadDharwad: Prasar Bharati on Friday issued a circular announcing the temporary shifting of the Regional News Unit (RNU) of Dharwad Akashvani to Bengaluru RNU with effect from May 15.In his letter dated April 17, Jitendra Singh Katara, deputy director general (policy), directed the heads of Akashvani stations across Karnataka to begin shifting bulletins.CU Bellakki, former station director, Akashvani, Dharwad, told TOI that Dharwad RNU has been operational since Nov 1, 1981, serving 18 districts of north Karnataka and enjoys the highest listenership as per Audience Research Unit surveys. "Afternoon and evening Pradesha Samachara were broadcast by Bengaluru RNU and Dharwad RNU was broadcasting morning Pradesha Samachara. Local issues like flood, drought were getting priority through Dharwad RNU. A similar proposal in 2022 and 1-2 other times was stalled by the Union minister Pralhad Joshi, who backed strengthening the unit," Bellakki said, adding: "The Dharwad unit was set with the intention of decentralisation of broadcasting. While local and community radio stations are coming up, Prasar Bharati is getting back to centralisation, which is a bad decision. If it's inevitable, they should reveal the reason. Dharwad RNU is also helping journalism students of the region. They may shut it permanently after shifting it temporarily." Shankar Halagatti, general secretary, Karnataka Vidya Vardhaka Sangha, Dharwad, said RNU is not just a news unit, but a pride for people of the region. "We will soon write a letter to Union ministers from Karnataka and Prasar Bharati. NK MPs should press Prasar Bharati to retain the RNU in Dharwad," he said.Gaurav Dwivedi, chief executive officer, Prasar Bharati, Delhi, did not respond to the email query in this regard. Union minister Joshi, who represents Dharwad Lok Sabha constituency, was unavailable for comment.Box On-AIR Dharwad RNU * Dharwad RNU broadcasts Pradesha Samachara (regional news) of 10 minutes' duration at 7.05am everyday.* Five FM bulletins of 2.50 minutes' duration at 8.30am, 9.30am, 10.30am, 6.30am and 8.30pm daily (currently stopped).* District News Letter of 5 minutes' duration every Monday at 6.30pm, covering developmental and cultural activities of 13 districts of NK region.* News Reel-Samachara Darshana of 6 minutes' duration (earlier 20 minutes) every Saturday at 6.20pm* Special bulletins during assembly and Parliament elections