Akashwani Pune Will Continue News Broadcasting : Prasar Bharati

June 15, 2023, Pune: Anurag Thakur, the Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting and Youth Affairs and Sports, has intervened to halt the proposed relocation of Akashwani Pune’s regional news unit to Aurangabad.

The recent announcement by Prasar Bharati to close down Akashwani Pune’s regional news unit from June 19, 2023, had left many disappointed. Under the new plan, the Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar (Aurangabad) Akashwani Centre would have taken over the broadcasting of Pune’s news content.

According to sources, Member of Parliament Prakash Javadekar reached out to Thakur to discuss the matter and requested the cancellation of the planned relocation. Javadekar also held discussions with Apoorva Chandra and Gaurav Dwivedi, CEO of Prasar Bharati, regarding the issue.

Currently on a tour of Telangana, Javadekar had a telephonic conversation with Anurag Thakur, leading to the decision to put the relocation on hold. Further detailed discussions on the matter will take place once Javadekar returns to Delhi.

Shreyas Vange

Guardian Minister Chandrakant Patil Appeals for Resumption of Akashwani Pune’s Regional News Unit

In a letter addressed to Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur, Guardian Minister Chandrakant Patil has requested the withdrawal of Prasar Bharati’s decision to shut down Akashwani Pune’s regional news department. Patil emphasized the educational, cultural, industrial, historical, and political significance of Pune in his plea.

Highlighting the daily broadcast of regional and national news bulletins in Marathi from Akashwani Pune’s regional news department, Patil expressed deep concern over Prasar Bharati’s decision to close the regional news section, effectively transferring the broadcasting to Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar (Aurangabad) center. Additionally, the decision includes halting news coverage, Pune news, and other programs aired on various Akashwani channels.

Akashwani Pune holds a strong connection with its listeners, who have developed a fondness for the programs broadcasted from this center. The programs cater to listeners of all age groups and have fostered an unbreakable bond over the years. The Pune center boasts the highest number of listeners among all centers nationwide, with approximately 2.4 million listeners.

Given that many government ministers visit Pune daily for project launches and other events, including significant gatherings like the G-20 meetings as per central government instructions, the regional news department plays a crucial role in reporting these events and providing coverage to Delhi. The decision to close this department raised concerns about the coverage of important events in Pune, leading to widespread dissatisfaction, particularly among senior citizens and dignitaries.

In light of Prasar Bharati’s decision to air Pune News from Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar (Aurangabad), Patil has penned a letter to the Union Information and Broadcasting Ministers, urging reconsideration.

Shreyas Vange