Prasar Bharati to set up studio in Marathwada: Lalli

Aurangabad, Maharashtra, Nov 19 (UNI) The Prasar Bharati is planning to set up its studio in Marathwada, said the Prasar Bharati chief executive officer (CEO) B S Lalli.

Speaking to reporters here after his arrival from Parbhani where he attended a national level meeting of AIR engineers, Mr Lalli said ''Marathwada is quite a big area, but it has no studio. We are planning to set up one for the region.'' He asked the local officials concerned to immediately send a proposal in this regard.

He also said capacity of the All India Radio (AIR) station here would be enhanced from one kilowatt to 10 kw by the end of 2008.

''We are trying to add value to our content. We have approached top producers in this regard and best hands in the field would be roped in,'' he said.

The CEO stressed that Prasar Bharati's focus would always be the public service broadcasting.

''We are not after money, which we still make,'' Mr Lalli said, adding, the Prasar Bharati was also considering recruitment of staff at a bigger scale.

''We had manpower strength of over 48,000 in November 1997 when the Prasar Bharati came into existence. Now our strength has reduced to 37,000 on account of retirement of the staff. Still we are making efforts to provide good services. The issue of recruitment at a bigger scale has already been placed before the authorities. Till then, we are strengthening the network of stringers. Efforts are being made to improve the quality and standard of AIR and Doordarshan programmes. We are also strengthening the regional channels and the staff is being trained in that direction,'' he added.

UNI