Dhenkanal: On the occasion of ‘World Radio Day’, the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Dhenkanal, and Radio Bhubaneshwar collaborated to host a webinar on “Radio and Trust.”
Regional Director of IIMC Dhenkanal, Prof. Mrinal Chatterjee, participated in an enlightening deliberation with IIMC Delhi’s Prof. Sangeeta Pranvendra; veteran broadcaster, Akhil Mittal; Station Director, AIR Cuttack, Tarunkanti Rout; Award-Winning Program Producer, Dr Manas Pratim Das; and Subrat Pari of Radio Bhubaneshwar to commemorate the day.
“Radio is all-pervasive and personal at the same time. It caters to a diverse range of communities and continues to prove its mettle when it comes to reliability and reach, even as the internet takes over the globe,” Assistant Professor, IIMC Dhenkanal, Bhavna Acharya, said in her opening remarks.
Her introductory speech was followed by Prof. Mrinal Chatterjee’s speech where he spoke at length about the characteristics of radio, its innate functionalities, its credibility, reach and reliability.
“For over 120 years, radio has been our constant companion. It connects us in a way that no social media does, or probably can. Radio is dense and intimate, and its role as a medium of mass communication is truly remarkable,” Prof. Chatterjee was quoted as saying in a press release.
Addressing the audience, IIMC Delhi’s Prof. Sangeeta Pranvendra said, “Radio has been my first association with media. Its simplicity is both functional and cerebral at the same time. The nuances of radio and its portability makes it the original mobile medium. I believe, Radio as a medium, effectively packages information; be it news, or be it relevant information on developmental programs. It is lucid and direct, and its reach is wide and instant, which makes it stand out as a medium of communication meant to serve the people.”
She further went on to discuss the importance of community radio in mobilising people, as well as how the Indian government recognises this and provides grants to help small stations get started.
“Radio is a very creative medium. One has to find his or her own ways to recreate sounds,” said Tarunkanti Rout. “Radio is both ubiquitous and persuasive. And it is dependable, especially during natural catastrophes such as super cyclones and other situations when all other forms of communication become erratic,” said Rout.
Audio features produced by the English and Odia Journalism students of IIMC Dhenkanal recounting the history of radio were presented during the event along with the radio features produced by Radio Bhubaneshwar. Saswati Kar of Radio Bhubaneshwar delivered the vote of thanks.
All IIMC Dhenkanal staff, faculty and students, as well as staff of Radio Bhubaneshwar, attended the event.
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