MLA flays move to ignore Kannada in FM channel

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Rajajinagar MLA Suresh Kumar on Monday questioned the decision to broadcast programmes in Hindi and other languages in Kannada Rainbow 101.3 FM channel.

In his letter addressed to Additional Director General (South) Ramakanth, Suresh Kumar said that through his wrong decisions, he has dented the image of the union government which has no role in the decision regarding the broadcast of programmes on Kannada Rainbow 101.3 FM channel. “If he doesn’t reverse his decision, a movement ‘Ramakanth go back’ will get initiated soon,” he warned.

Akashvani Rainbow 101.3 FM channel is the symbol of culture of Bengaluru city. It has transcended the limitation of commercial operations and is known for Kannada entertainment programmes. It has won the hearts of people through various regional programmes, Suresh Kumar said.

However, in the recent past after Ramakanth has taken over, entertainment programmes have been sidelined and several instances of neglecting local language could be seen. Expressing concern that Ramakanth’s decision would prove detrimental to the local talent pool, Suresh Kumar has questioned the logic behind broadcasting programmes of other languages from other channels on the Kannada FM.

“Is it the way to respect the culture of the land to take decisions on broadcasting news in other languages in the Kannada FM channel? What is the necessity to broadcast Hindi and other language news and programmes in the Kannada channel?” he questioned.

The MLA further asked whether Kannada people should respect his (Ramakanth) decision to broadcast Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and other language programmes? The hallmark of the Akashvani Rainbow 101.3 FM channel was interaction with audiences. The priority is now being given for recorded programmes. Is it a deliberate attempt to make the radio listeners move away from the channel? Suresh Kumar asked.